We had the pleasure of meeting Cliff at New Covenant. He used his love for helping others to join the mission team go to Guatemala to build houses. What a servant's heart. "Well done, good and faithful servant." He leaves a wonderful legacy. Prayers of comfort to all his family.
David and Dixie Estrem
David and Dixie Estrem
February 21, 2015
Dear Julie and Family, I am so sorry that we were not able to see you and your family. It has been many years since we have seen each other. I remember your lovely Mom and very nice Dad. It hurts to say good bye, but one day there is going to be a great reunion. Hang on to that as you wipe your tears.
We send our hugs and love to all of you.
Linda and Jim Smith
Linda and Jim Smith
February 12, 2015
I met Cliff during my early days with Rockwell Collins (1986) and quickly developed a rapport with him. He was just simply a great guy with a good outlook on life. I eventually had the privilege of working for him in the Metrology group and got to know him better. He was a good leader, mentor and role model. He always has a story to tell and my respect for him grew, knowing that he was not only involved in the community but made a difference in various parts of the world as well. You will be missed by many, but you are in a better place with Jesus. I pray for God's blessings and His peace for the family and friends. -Mike Jergens
Mike Jergens
February 12, 2015
Cliff liked people and people liked Cliff. He always went out of his way to help at Collins. In retirement, his friendly greeting and interesting stories were sure to brighten your day. He will be missed by all.
Dan & Virginia Mitchell
February 12, 2015
I am honored to have had the opportunity to get re-acquainted with Ciiff Koop. Eight years ago Cliff. my cousin came to the University medical center in Iowa City nearly every day for 3 months to visit my grandaughter, 17 year old Courtnie (Marie) Frade. Marie is the middle name Cliff gave Courtnie. Cliff quickly endeared himself to Courtnie and our Son Brian and and Daughter in law Jodi and with his helpful visits. So happy to have spent hours with him there as he cheered all of us up, especially Courtnie. He joyfully sang along with all of us as we sang along with the visiting musician. I will fondly remember Cliff, my cousin. I join the other contributors who express the loss of this great man of God!! My sincere condolence to Nancy and Cliffl's family ,siblings, my cousins.
Ida Mae (Friesen) Frade
February 11, 2015
Cliff liked people and people liked Cliff. He always went out of his way to help at Collins. In retirement, his friendly greeting and interesting stories were sure to brighten your day. He will be missed by all.
Dan & Virginia Mitchell
February 11, 2015
I had the pleasure and honor of getting to know Cliff through his service to The Salvation Army when I was an employee there. What a wonderful man with HUGE heart! He always had a smile on his face when he'd stop by my office for a visit. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.
Mindy Kayser
February 11, 2015
I used to see Mr. Koop every week at our restaurant for lunch. He was such a lovely man, so friendly, and what a great smile! He really embodied Cedar Rapids for me. He will be missed!!
Alice Pei
February 11, 2015
Nancy and family...thanks be to God for Cliff! What a wonderful man of faith and who knew the joy of the Lord. I was blessed to know him for a short time at St. Mark's, but he was a memorable child of God! I loved his smile and tireless love in the midst of whatever circumstances. He was a gift to the Christian community, the very kind of person I think about when I think of what it means to live out our faith in our redeemer. As Gene Wolter mentioned in one the condolences here, Cliff was a blessing to our mission team. His passion for reaching out with the love of Christ is seen in the Guatemala orphanage outreach he was a part of. His vision helped us to establish a mission relationship on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2003. May God be glorified as you remember his life and his legacy in Christ.
Perry Fruhling
February 11, 2015
Cliff was such an important part of the team at Witwer Children's Therapy Center. His ability to build pretty much anything that he could see or a therapist could draw helped a young boy be able to get into the tub by himself, a young girl be able to get to the sink to brush her teeth, another child to be able to scooter on a scooter board, and so many kids be able to spin on astronaut boards to help with their therapy. I will miss seeing his smile come through the doors. I am so thankful to have known him.
Sarah Bengtson, Witwer Children's Therapy
February 10, 2015
I had the honor of knowing Cliff through his dedicated volunteer work - first through RCRV and then with the occasional project at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. He was a hard-working, intelligent, generous, compassionate man. He always had a welcoming smile and a kind word to share. He will be greatly missed.
My thoughts are with his family. I am thankful to have known Cliff!
Jessica Link, Cedar Rapids Public Library Volunteer Coordinator
February 10, 2015
Cliff was a wonderful man of God. He was very active in helping get Christian missions going at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. He and his family started a mission to an orphanage in Guatemala, to where he traveled many times over the years. At one point, in 2001, we at St. Mark's were going to travel to Guatemala to learn more about setting up a new mission there. However, our interim Pastor Dalen discovered he had a heart condition and couldn't go. A short time later, we learned that the head of the Guatemala Lutheran Church was nearly killed by people who were against building a Christian school. Cliff, however, continued to go each year to help keep the orphanage going, bringing the Gospel to the children.
A few years later, Cliff and Nancy went vacationing in the Baltic Countries. They spent time in Latvia, where St. Mark's retired Pastor Kaupins and several other St. Mark's members were from originally. Cliff and Nancy's visit there helped us get a new mission started with Luther's Church in Riga, Latvia.
God's blessings to Nancy and the family
Gene Wolter
February 9, 2015
I have known Cliff from Collins and the many times we talked at Panera's for coffee. It has been great to have known and talked with him. During this difficult time we wish to offer our condolences and prayers to the family. May God Bless You All!
Dean & Teresa Roudabush
February 9, 2015
I remember Cliff well from my days at Colins. Later I would meet him either at Hy Vee on Johnson, or other places . Met him once at Ragbri in the Amanas in front of Don Mizel's house while we were camped there. As the others have said , he was an amazing man you could not forget. I am well pleased to have known him. Blessings to all the family.
Ted Smyth
February 9, 2015
We are "Nelson Deli" acquaintances. Cliff always had a hello and a smile for us not only at Nelson's but at Panera's. We send our condolences and prayers. God Bless Pat and Lyle Matthews
Pat and Lyle Matthews
February 9, 2015
I first met Cliff when I was a young man. We both worked in Metrology and we chatted every day. We rode on RAGBRAI and chatted many times during those long , hot days. I learned a lot from Cliff. He was an extraordinary person who was mentally tougher, than anyone I've ever met. I appreciated his quiet insight and perspective on life. I last saw him at my retirement reception in August. I was delighted to see him and I, along with all his friends will miss him, but remain grateful and fortunate for having known him. Rest in peace my old friend.
Carl Meiners
February 9, 2015
I met Cliff a number of years ago when we attended the Emmaus Bible Study extension classes. He was always so kind and sweet, and never every could I or would I want to miss a hug from him! What a thoughtful, gentle man. He was a true servant and a true soldier for the Lord. He will be missed. Love and hugs to his family.
kathy dronebarger
February 9, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Cliff on many wheelchair ramp builds for the Wheelchair Ramp Accessibility Program, http://www.wrapiowa.org/. As the “saw guy” I appreciated his help in taking the cut boards and staking them as I did the cuts. I will miss your friendly smile Cliff!
Ron Tonneson
February 9, 2015
Cliff Koop was an amazing friend and volunteer that had a passion for improving the lives of others. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have met him and to see the amazing spirit he has. I always say there is a special place in heaven for volunteers and he truly was an amazing one. We have definitely loss an amazing man in our community.
If you want to see some of his volunteer work check out this link. I know he was touched to be featured.
http://www.cbs2iowa.com/news/features/heroes/stories/cbs-2-heroes-cliff-koop-86.shtml
Kayla Paulson, United Way's 55+ Initiative & RCRV Volunteer Coordinator
February 9, 2015
I first met Cliff as a retiree at RCRV and have always been impressed with his vigor and willingness to be involved and to accept new ideas and try new things. He enjoyed working with young people including teaching Kindergarten Science at Pierce Elementary and mentoring 4th and 5th grade students at Johnson School of the Arts in First Lego League competitions for many years. Even after his energy was fading, Cliff would come help WRAP build wheelchair ramps for people with financial need by helping clean up and doing what ever he could. When ever there was a need, Cliff was always one of the first to volunteer. He provided help in so many ways that I am not even aware of. We will miss you Cliff!
John Wauer
February 9, 2015