Steven “Steve” DeWayne Cooper Obituary, ALBIA, Iowa — Steven “Steve” DeWayne Cooper, 61, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia.
Steve was born on April 28, 1965, at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts, to Gary and Rose Lorraine (Chapman) Cooper. Raised 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 four-year degree in computer programming.
Steve worked for many years at the Science Center in Des Moines, where he was able to put his creativity and programming skills to use. He took pride in his work there, with one of his notable accomplishments being the creation of “Rollercoaster Through Space,” a Digi-Star production.
Outside of his career, Steve had a strong love for adventure and the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing, visiting theme parks and riding roller coasters. He also enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching MASH and Hogan’s Heroes, and exploring his passion for science fiction, including Star Trek and Star Wars.
Steve participated in RAGBRAI for 10 years and was also a member of Dream Team, where he mentored children and helped them train for RAGBRAI. His willingness to share his time and experience with young participants reflected his generous nature and his interest in helping others.
Steve is survived by his father, Gary Cooper; siblings Erik Cooper and Jenni Johnston; niece Cora Johnston; nephew Sean Johnston; aunts and uncles Eleanor Hackett, Carol McDaniel, Genny Cooper, Kim Bacon, and Nikki and Paul Ammons; as well as several cousins and good friends. He was 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 for Steve Cooper will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Oak View Cemetery in Albia, with Pastor Ryan Smith officiating. An open memorial has been established to the family. Condolences may be shared online through Tharp Funeral Home. Steve will be remembered by his family, friends and those whose lives he touched through his work, love of adventure, and commitment to mentoring others.