2011 state champion for Madelia/Truman

Alexander Mark Cooling, son of Mark Cooling and Kimberly Cooling, Born on November 30, 1992 in Madelia. Died April 6, 2015, at the age of 22. He is the third of five siblings, Eric, Aubre, Alexander, Adam, and Elizabeth. He is a 2011 honors graduate of Madelia High School. After high school he studied general education at South Central College in Mankato. He was employed as a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross from January to October of 2014. He also worked alongside his father and brother, Eric, in the family’s farming operation. He joined the United States Army on October 21, 2014, graduating from basic training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in February 2015 as a combat engineer and was currently stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

During high school he was a four-sport letter winner in cross country, football, wrestling, and track. He was a standout athlete and particularly excelled in wrestling and running. He was a two-time state medalist in wrestling and one of his proudest moments took place when he became only the second state champion in school history, winning the Class A 160 pound title as a senior. He qualified for the NHSCA National wrestling tournament in Virginia Beach, VA, where he enjoyed a fun-filled family vacation and got the opportunity to compete alongside his brother and best friend, Adam. Alex also was a two-time state qualifier for cross country where he earned All-State honors. He was a runner for the Jayhawk track team, setting school records as part of his career.

He earned a multitude of honors throughout his high school athletic career including The Guillotine’s All State Academic Team, KNUJ Co-Wrestler of the Year, New Ulm Journal All-Area Wrestler of the Year, KEYC Prep Athlete of the Week, Team MVP, All Valley Conference, and team captain. During his senior year, Alex was crowned as Madelia’s Homecoming King, and he participated in the Math and Science Club.

Among his many passions were singing and the theater. He participated in the Madelia High Choir and local theater productions. His sense of humor brightened the lives of family, friends, and coworkers. Alex’s laughter and smile lit up a room and was contagious to all who were blessed to know him. His greatest joy in life was time spent with his family and his most fond memories were the days spent camping in Lanesboro accompanied by family and friends.

Alex had a passion for animals; he loved being on the farm where he had many pets and raised a variety of animals. He was also a member of his local 4-H Club. Alex was also a member of the local Catholic Church.

Alex loved to compete in various sports with his brother, Adam, and his cousins. Alex also enjoyed biking, triathlons, 5K races, camping, music and hanging out with his siblings, cousins and friends.

Survivors include his parents, Mark Cooling and Kimberly Cooling, both of Madelia; siblings Eric, Aubre, Adam, and Elizabeth Cooling, all of Madelia; grandparents Duane and Nancy Stevensen of Madelia, and step-grandmother, Melinda Cooling, of New Ulm. Also left to cherish his memory are aunts and uncles Kris and Vince Forstner, Chuck and Alyssa Stevensen, Robert and Heidi Cooling, Steve and Teresa Cooling, William Cooling, and Amy and Jim Hopman and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Louise Cooling, and his uncle, Bradley Stevensen.

Services are pending with Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Alex will receive full military honors.

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