Kathleen “Jo” (Schaapveld) Cooper, 70 years old of Big Lake, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her and her husband Dave S. Cooper of 46 years’ home.

Jo had a love for the North Shore/Lake Superior like no other. She could spend countless hours combing the shores for “treasures” (as she called them). Collecting driftwood, rocks, and “Angel Tears” (sea glass). Finding other treasures at Garage Sales, Flea Markets, Auctions & Thrift Stores was also a passionate hobby along with moto races of her brothers and nephews.

Jo made beautiful quilts for her loved ones and also 60+ lap quilts for every resident of the Pierz Villa, Pierz where her sister-in-law & nephew work. She was there a short time herself after a stroke a few years back, which she came back from in a normal state. She said, “when I get home I’m going to make each one from there a lap quilt — & she did! 

She loved her many flower beds & lawn trinkets, putzing in her yard, she called it. She has been working on many more quilts for gifts for loved ones & her goal was to finish all of them with the help from some loved ones & friends alike. We will accomplish this task for her.

She leaves behind her: beloved husband, David S. Cooper; her daughter, Hiliary J. Cooper; 2 granddaughters; McKenzee & MaShaya; her five siblings & nieces & nephews: Teresa (Dean) Perry, son Sam (Pam) & Brody, Bruce (Tangi), daughter Alexi (Justin), duaghter Piper (Justin) (Hayes), Craft, Kim, son Zack (Kellie) (Carter, Jaden, Kasen), son Andrew, Susan, son Ryan Wood, (Cullin & Jackson), son Riley (Katie) & Jeremy (Denise), son (Jordan Prokott), Mother-in-law, Sisters-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces & nephews, aunt & many cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, Herb & Audrey (Olson) Schaapveld, sister Beverly Joy, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Father-in-law, Friends & her siblings’ pets.

The family had a private visitation and will have a burial at Big Lake Cemetery in Big Lake, MN and a celebration of life scheduled for next summer (May 16, 2026) that will be posted in the Patriot Newspaper.

Thank you to everyone for your condolences and support during this time.

“Jo’s Family.”