Leo ‘Frank’ Cooper, age 84, of Helena, passed away July 10, 2024.
Frank Cooper, age 84, was born on May 4, 1940, in Willow Creek, MT to Raymond and Frances Cooper. He was the youngest to brothers Chan, Bill & Larry, and was married to Shirley Cleary on June 18, 1982.
Frank was born and worked on the family ranch in Willow Creek, MT. He then attended Montana State University in Bozeman where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After receiving a degree in Physics, he married his first wife with whom he had four children: Alicia, Clay, Curtis and Aaron. He then attended a graduate program to study Physics at the University of Washington in Seattle.
After dating for several years, Frank and Shirley Cleary were married in Helena in 1982. She finally got Frank to relax and allow the kids to have their dog on the couch. Frank worked at Mountain Bell/US West for 27-years before semi-retiring to a split career as a tax season professional in the spring and fishing guide the rest of the year.
Frank and Shirley had a shared love of fly fishing and they were often found casting flies from Alaska to New Zealand, but nothing was better than fly fishing in Montana. Frank was often featured in beautiful paintings and etchings of fishing landscapes by his famous wife, Shirley.
He loved volunteering his time to Montana Trout Unlimited by serving as President of the local Pat Barnes chapter and as state Treasurer & Chairman. He spent many years building a cabin on his beloved Missouri River. He spent many days on the porch and fishing on the Missouri river. Frank also was an avid waterfowl & upland game hunter, birdwatcher, and enjoyed traveling to famous fishing locations. After visiting New Zealand, he bought a small home where he and Shirley spent the Montana winters for 15 years. Frank could often be found tying flies, woodworking, or relaxing with a book.
Frank is survived by his wife, Shirley Cleary; his children, Clay (Cindy), Alicia (Al Tuck), and Curtis (Linda); his grandchildren, Sienna and Addie; his brother, Larry; extended relatives; and his beloved dogs, Bell and Blackie.
A Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A reception will be held in the Social Hall of the funeral home following the service. Burial will be held at the Willow Creek Cemetery in Willow Creek, MT at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Please no gifts or flowers. Donations in Frank’s name may be made to Montana Trout Unlimited (https://montanatu.org/) and Pheasants Forever Headwaters Chapter (https://www.headwaterspf563.org/).
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 16, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday July 17, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 17, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday July 17, 2024
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 16, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday July 17, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 17, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday July 17, 2024
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Brian and Jean Peacock says
Dear Shirley,
So sorry to read about Frank’s passing. Our condolences go out to you and Frank’s family. He and I spent many years together at the phone company both in Denver and back in Montana where he was my supervisor in the Forecast department. We spent a lot of time in the great outdoors together enjoying rivers and streams.
Sincerely,
Brian and Jean Peacock
Ritch Rauser says
A wonderful, great friend for many years.
Taught me many things and shared many happy trails with he and Shirley
Think of him everyday!
Shar and Keith Stav says
Dear Shirley,
We are so sad to hear of Frank’s passing. You and Frank were more than clients of ours at Bridger Vet. Frank was such a wonderful person and we enjoyed visiting every chance we had, especially about bird dogs and hunting.
Please take,
Keith and Shar Stav
Jim Brown says
Shirley
30 years has passed since Tim and I fished the waters of Montana with Frank and yourself. The very best times of my life.
I have missed him and will continue to keep him in my mind for as long as I live. Your loss is shared by all who ever knew him. Thanks for sharing him with us. Jim Brown