Obituary. Alexandria Echo Press, Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota.

Donald Cooley, 78

Donald John Cooley, 78, Alexandria, formerly of Glenwood, died Friday, April 10, 2009, at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Donald was born September 10, 1930 to John and Mabel (Hanson) Cooley on the family farm near Lake Ann. He grew up in Pope County where he attended District #7 School near Lowry. He also attended school at Patrick Henry in Minneapolis.

On June 7, 1952, Don married Ardith (Dody) Seeger at Glenwood Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Steve, Laurie, Deb and Duane. Don farmed, drove milk truck for Lowry Creamery, owned Cooley Construction Company for many years and co-owned the Dip 'n Strip Shop in Glenwood. On July 5, 1997, Don was united in marriage to Jane (Krienke) Dvorsak at their home in Starbuck. Most recently, Don and Jane resided in Alexandria.

Don was an active member of Minnewaska Squares square dance club, calling and instructing for 19 years, and a member of the Eagles Club in Alexandria. He was a member of the Glenwood Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodworking, motorcycling, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, trips to the casino, bird watching and singing. He also enjoyed dancing and good music. He will be remembered by those who knew him as someone who could always find something good in everyone.

Don is survived by his wife, Jane Dvorsak-Cooley of Alexandria; four children, Steve (Shelli) Cooley of Truth or Consequences, NM, Laurie Fosler of Golden Valley, Deb (Darwin) Nygaard of Farwell, and Duane (Sandy) Cooley of Long Beach; four stepchildren, Greg (Sue) Dvorsak of Corcoran, Gaylen (Wanda) Dvorsak of Alexandria, Gwen Dvorsak of Rogers, and Glenn (Linda) Dvorsak of Starbuck; eight grandchildren, Rick and Jamie Fosler, Adam and Matt Nygaard, Kelly (Brad) Klossner, Nathan and Teegan Cooley, and Paige (Chad) Blevins; 11 step-grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Samantha, Danielle, Heather, Lindsey, Leslie, Michael and Tyler Dvorsak, Rheya and Aliha Ballon; three great-grandchildren, Ava Cooley, Hunter Dvorsak and Brittany Froehlich; and a sister, Shirley (Mel) Nelson of Golden Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mabel Cooley; and a son-in-law, Rick Fosler.

Funeral services were held April 14 at Glenwood Lutheran Church with Chaplain Jim Gronewold officiating. Interment was at Lake Ann Cemetery near Lowry.

To send online condolences to the family, visit www.hoplinfh@hoplinfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.