Mr. Bernard G. "Shorty" Cooley 79, of Rochester, passed away at 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the Visiting Nurse Hospice House of Ft. Wayne.


On March 24, 1937, in Lansing, MI. Bernard Gene Cooley was born. He was the treasured son of William and Esther Irene Reed Cooley. When Bernie turned 10 years old his family moved to Fulton from Petoskey, MI in 1947. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister and three brothers.


On Valentines Day in 1988, Shorty and Lucille A. Wenzlick were married in Rochester. They shared more than 28 years of life's adventures.

Revered law enforcement officer, Bernard "Shorty" Cooley began his career with the Rochester City police department in 1960. His stint of service spanned nearly four decades. Officer Cooley served as dog catcher for 19 years, and was Rochester's first official radio dispatcher as prior to his appointment officers took turns dispatching. He maintained the parking meters around our city for many years. Officer Cooley also gave a variety of safety talks to school children and service clubs. He was selected as 1980 "Officer of the Year," during the initial year of the award bestowed by the local Rotary Club. in 1977, Mr. Cooley was a member of the Rochester Fire Department serving many years as a volunteer first class firefighter.

A man of perpetual motion, following "Shorty's" retirement from Rochester Police Department he entered the private sector. He worked for Torx Corporation for a number of years as a security guard and building maintenance. Later he work at Rochester High School as a building tech. He also volunteered his time for the Little Lambs Daycare in transportation as their van driver.

Shorty truly loved people, displaying his affection with a servant's heart. He was always there for the kids. Oh, yes and 2016 was a great year. An avid Chicago Cubs for number of years! Shorty enjoyed cheering wildly for the Cubs during their pennant drive to the World Series.

Left to cherish Shorty's memory are his wife, Lucy, two daughters: Rita Rudd and husband Floro of Lafayette, Beverly Cooley of Logansport a son: DeWight Cooley and wife Cynthia of Antioch, CA. four step daughters: Pam Tape and husband David of Iron River, MI; Karen Pluger and companion Richard of Clintonville, Wis.; Dianne McClure and husband Daniel of Hampden, ME; Brenda Higgins and husband Kenneth of Green Bay, Wis.; a step son: Michael Lyons and companion Kathy of Lake Geneva, Wis.; several grandchildren including Edward Lyons and fiancé Michaela of Rochester and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Shorty in death are his parents, a son Rodney Lyons, siblings: Jean Edington, William A. Cooley, Richard Dixon and Donald Cooley.

The life of Mr. Bernard "Shorty" Cooley will be celebrated with private graveside services on his birthday in 2017, at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Pastor Don Meyer will officiate.


Memorial donations may be made to: