Don J. Koole

Don Koole served in the United States Army for many years and although he was dedicated to serving his country, his greatest love and devotion was reserved for both his family and his Lord. Don was a compassionate man with a heart of gold who enjoyed a good laugh as well. He was no stranger to hard work, yet he enjoyed time off too. Don provided his children with an enriching lifestyle through his military career that took them around the world. Don lived a vibrant life as evidenced by the colorful palette of memories he leaves behind. Much of the 1930s were a time that was cloaked in hardship for many American families as the Great Depression plagued us throughout the majority of the decade. It was a time of peace for our nation, however, and people found joy in simpler things like board games, reading books, and watching baseball. Also during this time, John Jacob and Janette (Heershap) Koole, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were able to focus on an exciting time within their own family as they were thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Don, on August 30, 1935. Joining three older brothers and two older sisters in his family, Don made a rather grand entrance when he was born right on the dining room table! With his birth, the Koole family was complete, and his father supported his family through his work at the railroad while Dons mother stayed home as a homemaker who also cared for the active family. From his father, Don inherited a keen interest in trains. ` As a boy, Don enjoyed a rather typical childhood and engaged in some of the activities that young boys so often do. He and his chums would often bike to the rail yards, and they even occasionally hopped the tracks. Don was active in the Boy Scouts, and also began working as a young man like so many others during his generation. He actually held down two jobs working both as a pin-setter at a bowling alley and at a movie theater as well. Don attended local schools including Ottawa Hills High School where he played football, was in the Art Club, and was in the Reserve Officers Training Club (ROTC) too. Don went on to graduate from Ottawa in 1955. Immediately after graduation, Don joined the Army with his buddy, Mike Giblin. This would only be the beginning of his life as a soldier for Don who discovered that the military lifestyle was a good fit for him. Don served as a gunner with a tank battalion, and he fulfilled his time of service. He returned to civilian life for a short time, but jobs were scarce so he reenlisted, turning life as a soldier into a career. Amidst establishing his career in the military, Don got married, and was later blessed with the births of six children. He was a doting father who even had pet names for each of his children. Don was involved in the lives of each of his children both as a family unit and also on an individual basis. Don was tender-hearted and a good communicator, always making sure that each of his children felt loved in their own unique way. His career allowed his family to live all around the world including in Germany, Italy, Austria, Korea, in Okinawa, Japan, and in various places throughout the United States. While in Korea, they even added another member to their family through the adoption of their daughter, Soonja. Their family shared numerous diverse experiences and made many precious memories while living in so many different cultures around the world. After serving as a medic in Vietnam for two years, Don was called home when his daughter became ill and subsequently passed away. Life took Don in a new direction when his marriage ended in divorce, and he also retired from the Army as a Sergeant 1st Class (SFC), the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Army. More changes were in store as Don also continued his education, earning his BA in Psychology from Jordan College in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Don then worked for the State of Michigan as a probation officer for with the Department of Corrections, and he was also involved in the Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Program. In May of 1989, Don received a phone call from a woman with whom he was set up on a blind date. Her name was Judy Blink, and although he declined to meet her that day since he was a huge Tigers fan and he was deeply involved in watching a game, Don accepted her invitation for the following evening. It was a fateful date indeed on May 17, 1989, and they were immediately drawn to each other. They strolled down to drink in the Lake Michigan breakwater along the Muskegon shoreline. The couple also enjoyed some donuts from Jans Donuts, and they later went dancing at the Muskegon Hilton Hotel. After a time of dating, they found themselves hopelessly in love and were united in marriage on March 17, 1990, in Ravenna. Don affectionately called his wife Judg-ally or Judy, Judy, Judy, and they enjoyed a fulfilling marriage together filled with love and mutual respect. When he was blessed with leisure time, there were things that Don liked to do, and things that made his unique. Don was an animal lover and while in Okinawa, they had horses. Don enjoyed camping with his family and watching either the comedy channel or the military channel on television, and of course, watching the Tigers play! Don was also a man of faith, attending Fellowship Reformed Church. Don suffered with a heart condition for many years, even having bypass surgery in 1990. Eventually, his health challenges became too great and his body succumbed to the fight. Don Koole was caring man who would lend a helping hand in any way he could. He had a way with words and a great sense of humor too. Whether he was laughing at the jokes from the comedian on television, camping with his family, or enjoying time with his grandchildren, Don Koole carried himself with compassion, strength, and integrity. Don deeply loved both his Lord and Savior and his precious family, creating a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him. Don J. Koole died on Sunday, July 12, 2009. Dons family includes his wife, Judy; sons, Robert (Apple) Koole, Scott (Haley) Koole, Russell (Lisa) Moseler; daughters, Lisa (Andy) Bouma, Kelli (John) Falicki, Soonja Koole, Jody (Rusty) Jones, Kimberly (Brian) Rynberg; 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild; sister, Jean Stalsonburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Susan Jean Koole; three brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the Fellowship Reformed Church with Pastor Don VanSlyke and Dr. Richard Koole officiating. Interment at McNitt Cemetery. Visit with Dons family and friends on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a memory or sign the online guest book.