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Cary Lee Koop of Mitchell passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM Friday, August 16, 2024 at the First Reformed Church in Mitchell, SD. Burial will be at a later date.

Cary Lee Grimm (Koop) was born on April 26, 1949.  His parents were Glynn and Helen Grimm.  Cary obtained his education from Redfield State Hospital.  He lived in Redfield from 1958 to 1974.  Then Cary moved from Redfield, SD to Mitchell, SD in 1974 to be with Lifequest where he lived until he passed away on July 21st, 2024.  Cary worked at Happy Chef from 1974 to 1983.  Cary held various jobs throughout Mitchell (there are too many to name).  Most notable ones Dakota Pump 1999 to 2001; 2004-2017.Cary also worked at Cattlemen's from 2014-2018.  Cary finally retired in 2018.  Having worked at so many jobs and actively worshipped in the community everyone knew Cary and he had many friends.

Through a gracious heart and kind soul, we are assured in the belief that love is given from one to another.    That no matter what the circumstance or situation, that someone loves you without judgement, and that love lives deep within the heart.

Cary "Grim" Koop blessed us with that kind of love.  It was genuine, gracious, and true.  There was never a doubt or question of his commitment to be a good friend and for others to know that they were important to him.   Through his messages in conversations, cards and letters, he truly wanted all of us to know that the power of love was a gift that he desired to share, and wanted the world to know how wonderful it is to give.

Cary Koop passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024.  He will be greatly missed.   Cary was born in Mitchell, SD.   At a young age, Cary moved to Redfield, SD, where he received services at the Developmental Center.   In 1978, Cary moved to Mitchell, where he remained until his passing.  Cary lived in several different locations supported by Lifequest and provided in day services.    He was always appreciative and thankful to all who helped him and gave to him.   Cary tried all that was offered, he always did his best.  He approached every day with a smile and willingness to succeed.

Cary embraced the community of Mitchell.  There is hardly a store, Church, or business that Cary did not visit.   More importantly, Cary became friends with many.    His greetings and messages to others were kind and always in friendship.   Cary held various jobs over his years in Mitchell, getting to know the many workings of the city and those who call it home.  A conversation about recent events, concerts and construction projects were something he looked forward to sharing with others.

Cary admired the work of the Mitchell Police and Emergency Services.   He praised their services many times and frequently stopped to visit.   Cary's church, bible readings and faith were the most important in his life.  His love for the Lord Jesus never wavered or questioned and always shared.   The singing of hymns and being with the congregation in worship were a must and something he cherished.   Cary was faithful in writing letters and cards to his friends and those he loved, wishing them Happy Birthday, Holiday Greetings, or a Hello.   All were important.
When thinking of Cary, we thank him for showing us grace, how to be kind, to be patient with each other and to never judge, as we know not the path of another's journey.  We thank him for all the times he prayed for our happiness, safety, and health.  For the many times he blessed us and showed us the power of love, it never leaves, it is strong, even when life is hard, we just need to believe.
I thank all of you who showed Cary love, you were his friend.   He loved you.   A special thank you to the Lifequest employees for all you did to show him you cared, that someone believed in love as much as he did and that he was important.
As Cary would say, Goodbye for Now.
Most of this obituary was written by Pam Hanna the Executive Director of Lifequest; and an anonymous person and the closing thoughts by Cary's brother Dennis Larson.
Cary had a rough journey in his life, especially in his younger years and then on and off throughout his life.  He was "adopted" and accepted as family with Lifequest staff they truly became his family with outpouring of love going both directions.  Due to a tragedy in Cary's and my life at a very young age we all were separated immediately afterwards.  I only mentioned this for a couple of reasons.  One is to speak of Cary's character.  Cary is the only person; I know in my entire life that demonstrates forgiveness and love as Christ would have us forgive one another to the extent, I will explain more fully at his Memorial.   I am reminded of a passage in God's word that states, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."  Eph 4:32 NKJV  Please do not get me wrong—Many people of God have obediently followed this passage.  I have seen Cary demonstrate this type of forgiveness consistently his entire life whenever, I have been around him.  It would not matter who or what offended him—Cary would have the love of Christ regardless of how severely he was wronged.  I plan on attempting to explain more of his love and forgiveness on the day of Cary's Memorial.
Speaking of Cary's character, he really "nailed it" on what is important in life.  As his brother, I was asked difficult questions by doctors; nurses and other staff at the last two hospitals Cary went to get his care.  It became evident that Cary was a man of faith when, I had to address many questions such as life support and many other types of questions of that nature.  Cary confidently stated to the nurses and doctors that he wanted to put his total trust in God and put his life in God's hands and chose to die naturally.  Cary passed this life with total confidence because he put his trust totally in God.  I respect Cary so much for his courage in life and in death.  I admire and love Cary for his total confidence in God.  I respect him for the unconditional love and forgiveness that he demonstrated to forgive those that "wronged" him.  I do not need to brag about one's reasonable service to God---I just want to share with you on the day of his Memorial Cary's exceptional love for God and his fellow man.
The day before Cary passed away.  I walked into his hospital room and asked, "Cary, how are you doing?"  He looked up at me and smiled—then Cary replied. "I am doing pretty good!"