Julia Cooper

Julia Cooper, 90, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at the Pioneer Retirement Community, Fergus Falls. She was born October 5, 1917, in Grant County, the daughter of Harry and Lillie (Johnson) Stavos. She grew up with her brothers, sisters and parents on a farm and attended rural school through the 8th grade. On September 27, 1941, she married Jacob Cooper at Ness Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake. In March of 1942, Jake entered the U.S. Army and Julia followed him as much as possible, until he was sent overseas. When he returned after 2 1/2 years, they began farming near Kensington. They farmed until 1956 when they moved to California and spent one year there. They moved back to Fergus Falls and Julia worked at Thomas Nelson Atlas Co. and later worked at the Broen Memorial Home where she continued for 18 1/2 years until her retirement. She enjoyed working with the elderly and continued to volunteer after her retirement. Julia was an active member of the Augustana Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was active in the ELCA Circles, was a Bible Study leader and enjoyed quilting with the Augustana women's quilting group. She was also a member of an acting class and loved working outside with her flower garden. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Jacob, on May 18, 2002, her parents, two sisters, and two brothers. Survivors include four sisters: Dorothy Skramsted of Fergus Falls, Blanche Goodwin of Hoffman, Lila Hutchings of Detroit Lakes, and Helen Mack of Park Rapids; a brother, Phillip Stavos of Becker; several godchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:     Reverend Paul Hadland Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com