Stanley E. Cooper of Three Forks, Montana passed away peacefully at home in Three Forks on December 1, 2024, after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 72 years old. His four daughters were by his side during his final moments.
An adventurous spirit defined Stan’s life. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 10, 1952 to Charles and Vivian Cooper and grew up in Hopkins, MN. He left school early to travel the country. It was during this time that Stan met Marilyn Denham in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. They married in 1971 and the three-year union was blessed with two daughters. Stan served in the Army from 1972 until his discharge in 1974 at which time he moved to Dillon, Montana with his brother Bill. While visiting their sister Jan in Three Forks, Stan met Pamela McGuire and they were married in 1975. They had two daughters and enjoyed 27 years together before divorcing in 2002.
Stan’s work experience was varied, ranging from ranch work to the Burlington Northern Railroad. In the late 1970’s, Stan worked heavy highway construction and was involved in the building of the I-90 and I-15 Interstates and Highway 287 south of Sappington before taking an interest in explosives. He worked as an explosives technician in the mining industry until the early 90s when he left that trade in favor of residential and commercial construction. He served the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department for 19 years.
After a fulfilling career, he retired early, determined to embrace life to its fullest. Stan devoted his retirement years to exploring the great outdoors and sharing countless adventures with friends. He loved bargaining at pawn shops, buying cookbooks from yard sales, cooking, helping brother Bill gold mining, boating, fishing, hunting and telling tall tales at local watering holes over a glass of brandy.
Stan was preceded in death by his second wife, Pamela K. Cooper, and his parents, Charles W. and Vivian L Cooper.
Stan leaves behind his four daughters; Melissa Cooper (John Savage) of Harrisonville, MO, Ann (Greg) Hernandez of Raytown, MO, Christina (Jon) Kamps of Three Forks, MT, Kelly (Matt) Bugland of Pony, MT; siblings Janice (Jim) Neufeld of Three Forks, MT, William (Melva) Cooper of Shelby, MT and Daniel (Linda) Cooper of Great Falls, MT; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and a portion of his ashes will be buried at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks at 1:30 pm on Friday, December 6th. Dual Celebrations of Life will be held following at the Plaza Bar in Three Forks from 2pm-4pm and the Broken Arrow Bar in Manhattan from 4-6pm. Friends and family are invited to share stories and memories of a man who made every moment count.
The family will further honor Stan’s wishes with one last adventure to take place in late summer, where his ashes will be spread at Lower Aero Lake in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stan’s honor to the Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of those who helped care for Stan in recent months, especially the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City for the compassionate and expert care they provided Stan in his final days.
Stan’s life reminds us that the greatest adventures often lie in the connections we build and the moments we seize. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever inspire those that loved him.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kathleen A Galiger says
Jan, Bill, and Danny,
So sorry to hear about Stan’s passing. I still think of us as
being teenagers at your home in Hopkins. We are technically ‘second’ cousins. But always referred to your Mom as Aunt Vivian and therefore as being cousins.
You have lost a brother but he has gained everlasting life with your mom and dad.
Take care of yourselves.
Kathleen Albrecht Galiger. ‘Chusie’