Obituary of Robert R. Cooper

Dr. Robert R. Cooper, age 93, of Edina, Minnesota, died peacefully on January 1, 2016. Preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo Cooper, he is survived by sons David (Ruth) and Richard (Pam); daughter Nancy (Steven) Meshbesher; grandchildren Kate (Josh) Guin, Molly and Cara Cooper, Natalie and Matthew Meshbesher; and great-granddaughters Marina and Georgia Guin. Bob was born August 9, 1922 in Kokomo, Indiana, and graduated from Washburn High School in 1941. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1946 after completing an accelerated program funded by the United States Army during World War II. After graduation he completed his internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and briefly practiced general medicine there. In 1947 he was called to active duty with the United States Army, and served nearly two years at Schofield Barracks Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. After discharge in 1949, he returned to Minneapolis and completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. He began private practice in ophthalmology in 1952, continuing until his retirement in 1992. He performed a wide variety of eye surgeries at Swedish and Fairview Hospitals, then at Metropolitan Medical Center, and finally was one of the original ophthalmologists to perform surgery at the Phillips Eye Institute, where he finished his career. He served his profession in several leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at Fairview Hospitals, on the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Medical Center, and as President of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. He served as Trustee and President of the congregation of Central Lutheran Church before joining Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church (where he was married to wife Mary in 1945). In retirement, he served as President of the University of Minnesota Alumni Club chapter in Sun City West, Arizona, where he and Mary owned a home and spent many winters. Dr. Bob was a devoted husband and father, doting grandfather and a loyal, beloved friend to many. He loved puttering in the garage, splitting firewood at his Wisconsin lake cabin, traveling the world, attending orchestra concerts and playing the violin accompanied by his wife, Mary. His family wishes to express its profound gratitude to his devoted friends at the Edina Golden Kiwanis club, Edina’s Ham And Eggs Club, the Eden Avenue Grill, the Grandview Square community, the entire staff of Jones-Harrison Residence and the medical staff of Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 7th at 12:00 noon at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419, with visitation at the church beginning at 11:00 am. Memorial gifts in Dr. Bob’s name to the Phillips Eye Institute will be gratefully appreciated (mail to: Phillips Eye Institute Foundation, attn: Beverly Fritz, 2215 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404).