Bernice Back Cooper Tripp

May 3, 1930 - October 31, 2012

Bernice Back Cooper Tripp, the daughter of Otto Back and Anna (Popp) Back, grew up on a farm near Moneta, Iowa, with her two older brothers, Rudy and Ernest. Bernice enjoyed her childhood days on the farm, and especially loved her little country school. She graduated from Everly High School in 1948. Bernice married Jerry ("Mouse") Cooper in January, 1950. Their two sons are Tim and Tom. Bernice then graduated from Buena Vista College, earning her teaching degree. Jerry Cooper died in a car crash in March, 1978. Bernice spent 35 years teaching in the Moneta, Everly and Spencer elementary schools. She married Stanley Tripp in April, 1981. After retiring from teaching in 1988, she worked with Stanley in the car business in Spencer for 16 years. After selling the car business, they moved to Spirit Lake, where they enjoyed their retirement living near the lake. Bernice is survived by her husband, Stanley Tripp; her two sons and their wives, Tim (Pat) Cooper of Tucson, AZ, and Tom (Carol) Cooper of Milford, IA; four grandchildren, Aaron, Adam, Jill and Amy, and four great grandchildren, Leah, Jacob, Claire and Stella. The Schuchert Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, Iowa is in charge of the arrangements. A celebration of her life will be held with her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established by her family.