Edward Cooper

Edward Cooper, age 92, of Clifton, New Jersey and more recently of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was born September 19, 1932, in Passaic, New Jersey, the youngest of ten children to the late Samuel and Anna (Vander Wahl) Cooper. He graduated from Eastern Academy in New Jersey. Just days following Ed’s eighteenth birthday, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for three years during the Korean War. After Ed’s honorable discharge in 1953, he attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids where he met the love of his life, Berdella Brink. The couple married on August 25, 1956, at the Hope College Chapel in Holland, MI. They soon returned to Clifton, NJ, where Ed worked alongside his brothers in the family carpentry business for many years. He was a man of genuine Christian faith, good humor, and extraordinary generosity. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Berdella; 5 children, Samuel (Leanne) Cooper, Douglas (Joanne) Cooper, Gregory (Amy) Cooper, Pamela Van Eck, and Lisa (Jeffrey) Donat; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joanne Cooper (spouse of Sam) and Alice Cooper (spouse of Nick); and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Ed was predeceased by his parents; all of his siblings; and his infant son, Jonathon. The Home Going Service of Edward Cooper will be celebrated Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00am at Alger Park Church, 2655 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. All are welcome to join the family for a luncheon following the service in fellowship hall. Ed will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ed’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.