MASON CITY — Charles Edmund “Chuck” Cooper, 73, of Mason City, died October 4, 2026, leaving a remarkable legacy as a music educator, Catholic deacon, Scout leader and advocate for neighbors in need.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Epiphany Parish–Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Avenue in Mason City. A Scriptural Wake Service will follow at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the church, followed by inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery and a reception in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Community Kitchen, Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank or the NIACC Music Department.
A lifelong Mason City resident, Chuck was born August 27, 1953, to Charles Robert “Bob” Cooper and Ruth Mead (Cook) Cooper. The oldest of five children, he attended Holy Family Catholic School and graduated from Newman Catholic High School. He went on to study at North Iowa Area Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Iowa.
Chuck married Jennifer “Jenny” Block on December 27, 1978. Together, they raised sons Nicholas and Timothy and built a family life deeply rooted in faith, music and service.
He began his career teaching band in Scranton before returning home to teach at Newman Catholic High School. He later worked at Sears and Rieman Music, where his role as a road representative brought him into schools across North Iowa. He helped band directors find instruments and equipment and gladly shared his experience with educators and young musicians. He also enjoyed participating in the family business, Cooper Cap & Gown.
His devotion to community music extended beyond work. Chuck was a founding member and speaker for the North Iowa Community Band and participated in municipal bands in both Mason City and Clear Lake. He helped organize band trips and regularly stepped in to direct, advise and support local music programs.
Chuck also devoted years to Scouting alongside his sons, serving as a Scoutmaster and guiding many other young people through their own Scouting experiences.
His Catholic faith shaped much of his adult life. In 1985, Chuck and Jenny began the diaconate preparation process together. He was ordained a deacon in the Archdiocese of Dubuque in August 1989 and went on to serve Holy Family and later Epiphany Parish for decades.
That spirit of service reached beyond church walls. Chuck contributed to community committees and supported organizations including Community Kitchen and Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. He cared deeply about social justice and making sure people experiencing hardship, including homelessness, had shelter and practical support.
His most treasured roles were husband, father and grandfather. Chuck was proud of Nick and Tim and delighted in his granddaughters, Campbell and Mable, who called him “Pops.” Time spent with family remained among his greatest joys.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Jenny; sons Nicholas Cooper and Timothy (Rebecca) Cooper; granddaughters Campbell and Mable Cooper; siblings Mike (Leslie) Cooper, Catherine (Mike) Murphy, Mary (Don) Harms and Lisa (Mark) Reuvers; Jenny’s siblings Stephanie (Keith) Harmon, Amy (Bill) Glassmaker and Julie Block; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ruth Cooper.
For the musicians he encouraged, the Scouts he guided, the parishioners he served and the neighbors he helped, Chuck’s impact will endure well beyond his 73 years. His life reflected a belief that talents and faith are best shared generously with others.
Memories and condolences may be shared through Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels.
NorthIowaToday.com publishes obituaries and remembrances for families and funeral homes free of charge.