Laurie Elizabeth (Howard) Cooper

Laurie Elizabeth (Howard) Cooper, 57, Superior, passed away Monday, June 2, 2014 in her home. She was born on May 26, 1957 in Milwaukee, WI to John R. Howard and Mary Ellen Sinclear and was a longtime Superior resident.

Laurie attended Superior Senior High School and in her senior year, attended Interlochen Center for Fine Arts in Interlochen, MI. Laurie went on to complete her school work and graduated from Superior Senior High in 1975. During Laurie’s school years, she was a member of the Duluth Superior Junior Symphony Orchestra as she was an accomplished violist.

Soon after High School, Laurie went to work at Upper Lakes Foods, joining the Sorenson family business where she built many relationships and did a remarkable service as a sales staff in her 25 years of employment. After the passing of Laurie’s former husband Charles Slind, she married John Cooper and became a member of the Local Pipeliners Union #798 and enjoyed traveling for their work.

Laurie had many strong relationships at work and within our community. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, Blood Donors and the Minnesota School Food Service Association. She was the chairman of Health and Welfare ministries at the church which included Harbor House, Noah’s Ark Daycare, Sunday suppers and the food pantry. Laurie was also very active in chairing the churches big fundraisers throughout the years such as their chili, spaghetti and roast beef dinners.

Laurie Howard- Cooper is survived by her husband John William Cooper, Sr.; her father, John R. Howard (Joanne), Wausau; one brother, Mark Sinclear (Susan) Howard, Superior; one sister, Jane C. Howard, Superior, and two special nieces Elizabeth and Margaret Howard. In addition, Laurie’s extended family included her step-father, Lowell Banks, Superior; a stepsister, Cheri (Terry) Olson, Solon Springs, WI; a stepbrother, Larry (Kelly) Banks, Superior.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Charles “Chuck” Slind, an infant son Will Slind and her mother, Mary Ellen Banks.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 8, 2014 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service at the Faith United Methodist Church with Pastor Joel Certa-Werner, officiating.

Burial will be Greenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the service will be Alex Slind, Scott Anderson, Mark Howard, Lowell Banks, Rick O’Connell and Daniel Lien.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Harbor House, 5822 Ogden Ave., Superior, WI 54880.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.