Will Cooper

William (Will) James Cooper, 71 of Dayton, Wy formerly of Lead, SD made his last ride on October 2, 2021 in Denver, CO with his family by his side.

Will was born on February 27 1950 to Billy and Myrtle Cooper in Pierre, SD. He attended DeGrey Country School and graduated Pierre High School in 1950. He went on to attend and graduate South Dakota State University in Brookings SD.

It was in Brookings this country boy fell in love with a small town city girl. Will would marry Norma on August 20, 1972 in Lead, SD. Will went on to work on a feedlot in Gettysburg, SD. He and Norma eventually made their way back to Lead where Will took a job at Homestake Gold Mine. Will remained working there until the Water Treatment Plant closed in 2004. In 2015, Will and Norma made their way to the mountains of Wyoming.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Norma. His two daughters, Heidi (Chad) Justus, Heather (Shad) Sweeney. His four grandchildren, Claire, Bailey, Cooper and Wyatt. His three sisters, Kathy (Norm) Galinat, Mary (Bruce) Norman and Susan (Mike) Roberts. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father.

A tribute to the Horse Whisperer. As we gather today to Celebrate the Life of a great man let us remember who he was. Will was no stranger to any man, woman or child. He made a friend everywhere he went, a trait he passed on to both his daughters. His smile would light up a room, his laugh infectious and his spirit overwhelming. Oh could this man have fun and if you were with him you better be ready to have some too! His stories, you better have 30 minutes for a story because that is how long he needed. He loved to hunt, fish, ride horses and find peace in the outdoors. He was one of a kind, a loyal friend, loving brother and the best uncle. He loved his family and love his grandkids more. The love he shared with his wife will always be remembered and cherished. The hole you have left will be filled with the stories we will tell of potato guns, ski trips, hunting mishaps, rattle snakes, college days and so much more. We will remind each other to not sweat the small stuff because it is all small stuff. May your spirit live on in everyone you have touched and may your soul rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ranchester Town Hall Sunday 10/24/21 from 2-4 PM to gather and celebrate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SD Hunter Safety Education program or Sheridan County 4-H, 2 programs Will loved to support.