Obituaries : Kathleen “Kate” Ann Cooper

Kathleen "Kate" Ann Cooper, 39, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Oakland Church of the Nazarene, Cedar Rapids, with Pastor Michael Perkins officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. until time of service, at the church, on Wednesday. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Kate and her family.

Kate was born on June 19, 1985, in Sumner, the daughter of Marlon and Mary Ann (Schumacher) Cooper. She attended school in Vinton, graduating from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in 2003. She then attended Kirkwood Community College where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. Kate's passion for nurturing young minds led her to work as a preschool teacher, where she made a lasting impact on the children and families she cared for.

An avid runner, Kate's greatest joy was knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Her faith in God was a constant source of strength and joy. Second to her faith, Kate's family was the center of her world. Her deep love for her parents, siblings, and especially her fifteen nieces and nephews, was unmatched. She had a special way of connecting with each of them, whether through fun crafts, impromptu drawings, or simply spending time together. Kate was a constant presence in her family members lives, always showing up with a warm smile, or a corny joke. She had a nursery rhyme for every event and poured herself into all those around her. Whether it was trips to the beach, or spit park, slumber parties or movie night, her nieces and nephews brought her endless joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, watching them grow and helping them thrive.

Left to cherish Kate's memory are her parents, Marlon and Mary Ann of Garrison; her siblings: Colleen (Blake) Urban of Cedar Rapids, Daniel (Sarah) Cooper of Denver, IA, Nichole Cooper of Cedar Rapids, Rachel Cooper of Cedar Rapids, and Rebecca (Ryan) Schafer of Swisher; fifteen nieces and nephews; one great-niece and one great-nephew.

She was preceded in death by Robby, an infant sibling; two infant children; her maternal grandparents, Ray and Joann Schumacher; and her paternal grandparents, Bob and Pearl Cooper.

A memorial fund has been established in Kate's honor. Condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.