Johnnie Cooley 06/14/2019

Johnnie M. Cooley, age 72 of New Richmond, WI, died on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  Johnnie was born the son of John and Meada (Phillips) Cooley on December 27, 1946 in Vaiden, MS.  He served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne, as a Paratrooper.  Johnnie spent 8 years working for James River Paper Co. in MA.  On November 24, 1979, he was married to Mary Ann Leahy in Riverhead, NY.  They moved to AZ were Johnnie worked in Maintenance for the Snowflake School District and the Showlow School District.  After retiring they moved to WI in 2012.  Johnnie enjoyed fishing, dogs, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He was a kind, gentle, man, who was loving and supportive.  He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Meada Cooley; brother, Brown; sister, Wilma; and granddaughter, Ashleigh Sargent.  Johnnie is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Cooley; children, Priscilla Cooley, Sonja Cooley, Charlene Cooley; step-children, Robert Sargent, Kathy Sargent; grandchildren, Lexi, Jonathan, Tyler, Suri, Landon and many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Annie Bell Watson, Will (Laura) Cooley, Earlene Cooley, James Cooley, Dorothy Pruitt; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  A graveside service with Military Honors was held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 9:35 am at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.  Following the graveside service a luncheon was held from 11:30 – 2 at the home of Robert Sargent 555 Dakota Ave S New Richmond, WI.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.