Elfriede Cooper

Elfriede U. Cooper died February 27, 2024, in Longmont, CO at the age of 84.

On June 18, 1939, Edwin and Magda Genswein welcomed their new daughter into their home in Konstanz, Germany. As a result of her parents’ support, Elfriede developed a quality work ethic and sound education.

At age 21, Elfriede set out to see the world with some savings and good language skills. She spent several years in the San Francisco area working to pay her way and also to change her status from immigrant to U.S. citizen. Later she moved to Denver and continued working and enjoying big city living.

Elfriede met and married Gary E. Cooper, moving to the small Northwest Kansas city of Colby. After several years the couple moved to the country, and it was there that Elfriede described as the best twenty years of her life. Being in the country allowed her to fully explore her respect for all things living: children, family, neighbors, and friends as well as the animal and plant worlds of the area. She had endless knowledge of and admiration for the animals she raised as well as the wild birds, and she cultivated beautiful gardens year after year. Her fantastic cooking and hospitality made her home a welcoming place for guests from around the area and the world.

The small city also gave Elfriede the opportunity to visibly support her church, schools, city projects, political candidates, and most of all her children, their wants and needs.

At an age-appropriate time, Elfriede and Gary began living in Green Valley, Arizona, establishing a second home there along with continued love of new neighbors, friends, and a new exploration of southwest living and growing things. Her love of birds and flowers expanded in the years spent in a warmer climate, and her Arizona home was a burst of color and hospitality.

Elfriede is survived by her husband Gary; son James of Hays, KS; her daughter Anna Lull, son-in-law Andrew, and grandchildren Cooper, Sophia and Lucy, all of Boulder, CO; and son David of Hays, KS.

Funeral services will be held from Sacred Heart Church with burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Colby, KS at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 2 2024.

Memorials may be made to the Elfriede Cooper Memorial Fund at Farmers & Merchants Bank, 240 W 4th St, Colby, KS 67701.