Alice J. Cooper

Alice J. Cooper, 90, of Whiting, Iowa passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s, Sioux City, Iowa.

A funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Whiting Christian Church, Whiting, Iowa with Pastor Jed Shermer, officiating. Alice was a true sports fanatic, and to celebrate her love of the game, please come wearing your favorite team apparel to her services. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Alice’s obituary. Burial will follow in the Harrison Cemetery, Whiting, Iowa. A visitation will be 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa with a time of sharing at 7:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Alice Joan was born August 15, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Reeves) Mercer.

Alice J. Mercer and Russell Cooper were united in marriage on May 17, 1952 at the Onawa Christian Church. To this union six children were born, Joan, Ray, David, Dale, Gary, and Karen. They made their home and raised their family in Whiting. The couple later divorced.

Alice cherished being a stay-at-home mom, finding great joy in raising her children. She later extended that love and care by providing daycare for her grandchildren, creating a warm and nurturing environment for them as well. Alice enjoyed following her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, never missing a single game. No matter where she was—whether speaking with a close friend or a complete stranger—she proudly bragged about her family.

Alice was also an exceptional cook, always sharing her tips and recipes with loved ones. She never measured ingredients, but her meals were unforgettable, made with love and a touch of instinct that everyone admired. Alice also enjoyed spending time at the casino and dog track, where she found fun and excitement.

Survivors include her five children, Joan “Jo” Cooper of Onawa, Iowa, Ray (Lori) Cooper of Sioux City, Iowa, David (Becki) Cooper of Whiting, Iowa, Dale (Renee) Cooper of Whiting, Iowa, and Karen (Dan) Lewis of Sioux City, Iowa; one daughter-in-law, Lori Cooper of Atlantic, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren; fifty-two great-grandchildren; nineteen great-great grandchildren; four sisters, Linda Johnson of Onawa, Iowa, Sharon (Mike) DeVos of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Betty “Debbie” Derrick of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and Elaine Vaughn of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Dorothy (Reeves) Mercer; a son, Gary Cooper; granddaughter, Carmen Cooper; grandson’s, Cody Cooper and Bill Cooper; sister, Phyliss (Walt) Wendel; and brothers-in-law, Jay Johnson and Gary Derrick.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice J. Cooper, please visit our floral store.