Judith Kay Cooper

Judith “Judy” Kay Cooper, 80, of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Reinbeck on January 1, 2025. A memorial visitation and fellowship will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Reinbeck Memorial Building. Inurnment of Judy’s remains will be held privately by the family at Reinbeck Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Judy was born on March 14, 1944, in Waterloo, Iowa to her parents Forrest and Lucille (Hilton) Gleason. She was raised in Reinbeck and graduated from Reinbeck High School in the class of 1962. On July 11, 1964, Judy was married to Thomas Cooper and the couple welcomed 3 sons into their family. She was a devoted mother and wife and later became the manager of the Reinbeck Liquor Store for the State of Iowa. Judy then worked as a veterinarian’s assistant for the Reinbeck Veterinarian Clinic from which she retired in 2010.

Judy enjoyed spending time with her friends at the monthly classmate luncheons. She was an avid UNI fan and attended football, basketball and volleyball games. She was a talented cook and loved home decor. This was apparent in the pride she displayed on the family acreage where she spent hours landscaping and decorating. There was no job too large for her to tackle. Her truest joy in life came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved so much!

Judy is survived by her husband Tom Cooper, sons Brent (Tiffany), Matthew (Jenni) and Christopher Cooper; grandchildren Nathan, Haley, MaKenna, William, and Charles. She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Lucille Gleason; stepfather Vern Saak; and stepbrother Larry Saak.