Steven “Steve” DeWayne Cooper, age 61, of Albia, IA, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia.
Steve was born on April 28, 1965, on the Otis Air Force base in Massachusetts, to Gary and Rose Lorraine (Chapman) Cooper. Growing up in a military family, he attended schools in numerous locations throughout the United States and Germany before graduating from high school in Biloxi, Mississippi. He later returned to Iowa and attended the University of Iowa where he earned a 4-year degree in computer programming.
Steve worked at the Science Center in Des Moines, IA, for many years. He truly enjoyed his job there as it allowed him to utilize his creative mind. One of his proudest accomplishments there was creating Rollercoaster Through Space, a Digi-Star production.
Steve had a love for adventure and the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing, as well as visiting theme parks, where he especially loved riding roller coasters. Steve also enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching MASH and Hogan’s Heroes, and had a passion for science fiction, including Star Trek and Star Wars. He participated in RAGBRAI for 10 years. Steve was very loving with a generous heart which led him to becoming a member of Dream Team where he mentored kids and helped them train for RAGBRAI as well.
Steve is survived by his father, Gary Cooper; his siblings, Erik Cooper and Jenni Johnston; a niece, Cora Johnston; a nephew, Sean Johnston; and aunts and uncles, Eleanor Hackett, Carol McDaniel, Genny Cooper, Kim Bacon, and Nikki and Paul Ammons. Steve is also survived by several cousins and good friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Cooper; aunts, Evelyn Ramey, Janice Teno, and Judith Hackett; and uncles, Tim Cooper, Doug Bacon, and Larry Cooper.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Oak View Cemetery in Albia, with Pastor Ryan Smith officiating.
An open memorial has been established to the family.
