Berdella Marie Cooper

Berdella Marie (Steffenhagen) Cooper, 97, of Red Wing, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home. She was born in rural Frontenac, MN, on December 29, 1928 to Charles and Marie (Hauschildt) Steffenhagen. Growing up and attending rural school in Flower Valley, she helped her neighbors with babysitting and various other farm chores. She loved to spend time in the kitchen with family and friends, Berdy went on to win multiple cooking and recipe contests in the local paper. Taking a break from waitressing in Red Wing at Nybo’s, she traveled to the West Coast, later Texas where she found employment in Houston. After returning to Red Wing she met her future husband Robert, where they established a home in Burnside and later moved to their Roseville, MN location which remained their home for 60 years. In 2016 she moved back to Red Wing where she resided at Potter Ridge Assisted Living.

Berdy’s faith and her love of family were her guides through life. Very active in her church activities she was always available to serve and assist. She and family vacationed extensively throughout the West and later with Bob after her sons had left home, throughout Canada and Europe. Whether in their camper, on snowmobiles or motorcycles Berdy and Bob were often away from their tidy and well-cared for home. They loved their gardens, flowers and mixed their warm home life with travels.

Berdella is survived by her two sons, Doug (Peggy) Cooper of Red Wing, Kevin (Anna) Cooper of Andover, MN, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren; one sister, Lois Steffenhagen of Hudson, WI, one brother, Kermith (Judith) Steffenhagen, Prescott, WI and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death after 58 years of marriage by her loving husband Robert (Bob), her parents Charles (Marie) Steffenhagen, sister Judith (James) Moore, brothers Richard, Dale and Glenn (Myrna) Steffenhagen.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frontenac with Reverend Alan Horn officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.