Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper, 67, of Bancroft, NE, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Pender Community Hospital in Pender. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; Reverend Kathy Montira will be officiating. The visitation will be Friday, November 10, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. The burial will be in the Bancroft Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE. Gary was born November 12, 1949 in Pender to Glenn E. and Melba (Schnier) Cooper and was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, which his grandfather Gerhardt Schnier helped to establish. Gary was active in FFA throughout high school, and won Best in Class at the Nebraska State Fair for his Large White hog.  Throughout high school, Gary could be found cruising Pender in his Chevelle, Cutlass, or Bonneville, or strumming his guitar in the band “The Tories.”  Gary graduated from Pender High School and went on to study history and play football at Wayne State College. He married CynDee Waite on November 12, 1977, at the little country church in Uehling Nebraska.  Gary worked with his parents, Melba and Glenn, his brother, Clayton, and his wife, CynDee at Triple C in Bancroft.  In the late 1980’s he built up Northeast Tractor Salvage, which shipped parts all over the world.  Gary served as a member of the Bancroft Rural Fire department and on the Bancroft Town Council for a number of years. Gary enjoyed sports and was an avid Husker fan who traveled with his family to many away games.  Weekends also consisted of driving his demo derby car, the “Coop #2,” fishing with his family at Yankton, and playing poker with his buddies.  His grandkids recognized his larger than life status and nicknamed him “Big Grandpa.” Gary is survived by his wife, CynDee Cooper of Bancroft, NE; son, Conor (Liz) Cooper of Fremont, NE; daughter, CrisDee (Dave) Plambeck of Glenwood, IA; sister, Glenda (Mike) Gatzemeyer of Pender, NE; brother, Clayton (Trudy) Cooper of West Point, NE; grandkids, Carter and Katy Plambeck and Carson and Cydnee Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.