Randall F. Cooper's Obituary
Randall F. “Randy” Cooper, age 73, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Chestnut Fields. He was born on August 30, 1952 in Muskegon to Verlyn and Kathryn (Graves) Cooper and was a life resident of the area.
Randy was an avid outdoorsman who loved snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing in the winter, and camping in the summer. He enjoyed hunting and fishing of all kinds, especially his trips to Canada, bluegill fishing on Rice Lake, fishing on Big Glen Lake, and salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. He was a PADI-certified diver and an underwater photographer. Randy also had a particularly soft spot for pets, having cared for at least five dogs over the years. He’s fishing in heaven now, where the creel is always full and the stories are all true.
Randy worked for over 30 years at Verizon (formerly GTE), where he held many positions, including garage mechanic, semi driver, lineman, cable splicer, engineer, and electrical protection specialist. He retired as a supervisor of construction.
But Randy was most proud of his time in the Coast Guard Reserves. He served for 26 years as a petty officer, always with a strong sense of duty. He was an Electrician’s Mate, earned numerous ribbons throughout his career, and was coxswain-qualified. He was an excellent marksman and firearms expert, consistently qualifying as a “sharpshooter.” Although encouraged by leadership to pursue a higher rank, he chose instead to stay where he felt most at home—on the water, helping others, rather than behind a desk.
On September 24, 2004, he married the former Mary Wiegers and she survives him along with two brothers, Doug (Karen) Cooper and Bruce Cooper; and sister, Julie (Mark) Stenholm. Randy was preceded in death by his parents.
Graveside Services with Military Honors will be 2 PM Wednesday April 22, 2026 at Laketon Twp. Cemetery (620 Horton R. Muskegon, MI 49445).
Those wanting to make a memorial contributions in Randy’s name can make that to Gentiva Hospice or the National Coast Guard Museum Association, 125 Eugene O’Neill Dt. Ste. 300, New London, CT 06320.
Share memories with the family online at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-52010.
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