Allan J. Cootware

ALLAN COOTWARE NORWAY- Allan Joseph “Red” Cootware, age 79 of Norway, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Pinecest Medical Care Facility in Powers, Michigan. He was born on March 31, 1932 in Crystal Falls, Michigan and attended local schools. Allan served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Korean Conflict, as part of the 82nd Airborne Rangers. On July 3, 1957, he married Rosie (Baso) Fuller, who preceded him in death on November 30, 1997. They resided for many years in the same house in Norway where they always welcomed visitors, friends and family. There was always room at their table and there were many shared meals and Holidays spent there. He worked at United Abrasive Grain in Quinnesec and later formed RC Construction Company together with his friend and business partner, William “Bill” Rabenberg. He also worked in the construction business in Alaska, where his favorite hobby there became panning for gold. Closer to home, he also served for several years as the Vulcan Town Constable, and worked for the Dickinson County Sherriff’s Department, spending many Friday nights at the back gate for the stock car races at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds. He was also active in boat patrol for Dickinson County. After the passing of his wife, Rosie, he found a devoted and caring partner, Shirley Mande, and was fortunate to spend many years together with her. They shared not only many interests, but a love of family and friends and a desire to help others. Allan was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose #1474, the Cleveland Chapter #23, D.A.V, the Hall- DeWinter Post #145, American Legion, and the 82nd Airborne Western UP Chapter. He participated in many events with the 82nd Airborne Division including those at Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina. He helped to open the World War II Glider and Military Museum in Iron Mountain, which celebrates the history of the glider pilots. He could also often be found at Bomber’s Golf Course, usually playing during the week with his friends, with the special achievement of scoring a Hole in one there. His interests included history and genealogy, where he traced his family heritage. He enjoyed fly fishing and hunting. He hunted for many years with the Wender family, and later took great pride and joy when he bought land and built, with the help of his family, his own camp in Loretto. He especially looked forward to each Deer Hunting Season, and welcoming the Lower Peninsula Hunters for the Michigan season. He also taught us all another kind of hunting: for Morel mushrooms, the art of which all his children have come to appreciate. He taught us all a love of nature. He loved staying busy and doing projects for friends & family, even if family/friends weren’t always certain they wanted the projects done. His love of puttering and his knowledge of carpentry and construction served us all well. In addition to his partner, Shirley, he is survived by four children, Patricia Fuller of Hermansville, Dennis (Cherie) Fuller of Green Bay, James (Linda) Cootware of Norway, and Diane (Brian) Wallace. of Howell, Michigan; one granddaughter, Niki (Rob) Sanders, one great granddaughter, Ardriana Sanders all of Niagara, one grandson, Kyle Cootware of Norway and Nicole Robinson (Jeff) Kehoe and her son, Liam, of Marquette, Michigan who he also thought of like his granddaughter/great grandson. He is also survived by one sister, Phyllis Cootware of Crystal Falls. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Arlene Hawkins, and several brothers and sisters. Allan will be sadly missed and remembered by us all. Family will greet friends on Saturday, January 21, from 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Peter Carl

Allan J. Cootware

March 31, 1932 - January 17, 2012