LINCOLN — Bobby Cooper's career at Nebraska spanned interesting times for the Husker football program.
In 1940, Cooper was a member of the NU team that played in the Rose Bowl against Stanford. In 1941 and '42, the quarterback from Omaha North lettered for Husker teams as the United States was being pulled into World War II.
After graduating with honors, Cooper would go on to a 30-year Army career, serving overseas in both World War II and the Korean War.
Cooper died Monday in Gibsonia, Pa. He was 88.
“At the funeral home, we had a huge picture of the three years he played for Nebraska,” said Lois Wolfson, his sister. “It was terrific. He had Big Red on his license plate. We're still big fans of the Huskers.”
Nebraska made its first bowl appearance on Jan. 1, 1941, when it lost 21-13 to undefeated Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Leading up to the game, Cooper was mimicking Stanford quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Frankie Albert on the Huskers' scout team.
Cooper then played one season each under Biff Jones and Glenn Presnell on NU teams that went 4-5 and 3-7.
In the military, Cooper retired with the rank of colonel and was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also coached and taught at the Texas Military Institute in San Antonio.
Cooper is survived by Wolfson and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by wife Mary Beth (Jensen) and sister Margrete Skeers.
Contact the writer:
444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com
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