John Koop, Jr. -- Anchorage, Alaska

John Andrew "Drew" Koop, Jr., age 55, passed away at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, with loved ones gathered around him. Drew had waged a courageous and grueling 2 1/2 year fight against an aggressive cancer.

Drew was born Feb. 17, 1964, in Chanute, Kan., to Janet and John Andrew Koop, Sr. His family moved back to Minnesota, settling in Rochester, and he graduated from John Marshall High School in 1982. He graduated with a B.S. from Winona State University in 1991. He became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in 1996, and moved to Muncie, Ind., to work at Ball Memorial Hospital, where he met his future wife.

Drew married Marcie Murray on Oct. 3, 1998, and they moved to Alaska in 2002, where worked for the State of Alaska. The couple's daughter, Maria, was born on Dec. 4, 2004. The family are active members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Anchorage.

Drew enjoyed spending time with his family and was a very active person. He will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, his willingness to always help others, and as a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, fellow parishioner, and co-worker.

Drew is survived by his wife, Marcie Murray Koop; his daughter, Maria Mychele Koop; his mother, Janet L. Koop of Rochester; sister, Beth (Dan) Faflak of Henderson, Nevada; sister, Amy (Paul) Wallin of Arden Hills; brother, David Koop of Brooklyn Park; father-in-law, Darrell L. Murray of Palmer, Alaska; several nieces and nephews, and many aunts and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, John Andrew Koop, Sr., and his mother-in-law, Beatrice M. Murray.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Rochester at a later date. Donations may be sent to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or Pax Christi Catholic Church of Rochester.