Dean D. Cooley

Cadillac - Dean Devere Cooley, Cadillac native, formerly of Texas and Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at his home. He was 74.

Dean was born at Mercy Hospital on August 13, 1950, in Cadillac, to Devere Orson and Dorothy May (Olson) Cooley. He grew up and attended school in Cadillac, graduating as part of the Viking Class of 1968. After attending college in Grand Rapids, Dean proudly enlisted to serve his country in the United States Navy for seven years. His two years of active duty was aboard the USS Oklahoma City, a guided-missile cruiser.  He spent a good number of years in Texas and Florida where he worked as a general manager for factories that manufactured paper and plastic products.  After many years away, Dean made his way back to Michigan and his childhood home in Cadillac, he remained a bachelor his whole life.

Dean is survived by his only sister, Dawn M. Zakrajsek of Manistee; his nephew, Randy; three nieces, Marla, Molly and Misty; several cousins; as well as many other friends and good neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, James "Buzz" Zakrajsek.

His final resting place will be alongside his family with an interment at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. Committal services with military honors will take place at 1pm on Thursday, May 8th at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the disabled American Veterans.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com  The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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