Obituary of Michael Scott Cooper

Tripp – Michael Scott Cooper, 53, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, February 18 at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston. Memorial service will be Wednesday, February 26 at 11:30 am at the Ethan United Methodist Church in Ethan. There will be a prayer service / sharing of life for the public also on Wednesday, February 26 at the Ethan United Church of Christ beginning at 10:30 am.  There will be a Commital service at Scotty Philip's Cemetery in Fort Pierre at a later date.

Mike was born on August 10, 1966 at St Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD to Myron and Mary (Anderson) Cooper. He was raised on his grandfather’s Ranch on Bad River Road Southwest of Fort Pierre. He attended school in Wendte, SD until the family moved into Fort Pierre in 1975 where he continued his education in the Stanley County Schools. He later obtained is GED.

Mike married Cindy Garrigan and to this union one son, Tyler Scott, was born. He married Tara Delzer and to this union one son, Trystan Michael, was born. Mike worked hard in his life at various jobs, with the most memorable of them being in the swine industry. He worked on the Road Crew for MDS Manufacturing Inc for a time before working in breeding at Starburst farms. His most recent position, at the time of his death, was the maintenance position with Schwartz farms.

Mike’s favorite hobby was his Demolition Derby car #223. He loved promoting, building and smashing cars along with making lifelong friendships in the Demolition Derby World.

Mike is survived by his wife Tara (Delzer) Cooper and son Trystan Cooper of Albuquerque, NM, a son Tyler Cooper of Watertown, SD; 2 brothers, Ken (Dawn) Cooper of Pierre, SD and Chuck (Deb) Cooper of Sioux Falls, SD; 3 sisters: Patty Dunwoody of Java, SD, Billie (Walt) Larsen of Pierre, SD and Deb (Brian) Winckler of Pierre, SD; 2 brothers-in-law, Bob Dunwoody of Mitchell, SD and Mike Elsberry of Tyndall, SD; a special friend, Joanne Howard of Pierre, SD; 2 grandchildren; 6 nieces; 21 nephews, 3 great-nieces; 2 great-nephews; and all of his Derby Friends.

Mike was preceeded in death by his parents and a sister, Becky Cooper Elsberry.