Jack J. Kooistra

KOOISTRA, Mr. Jack J.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Died Friday, 7/12/13 at Sojourner House after a long struggle with dementia. Jack was born November 27, 1918 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, son of John and Mae Bluer Kooistra. During WWII, he served with the U.S. Army. He had been a Kalamazoo area resident since 1954 and was employed with Michigan Bell for 42 years, retiring in 1977. Jack was also a lifetime member of the Michigan Bell Pioneers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois M. Kooistra on March 15, 2002; a brother, Melvin Kooistra; and a sister, Freda Belford. Jack is survived by 3 sons, J. Brent Cathy Kooistra of Madison, WI, Gregg Carleen Kooistra of Kalamazoo, and Scott Lynell Kooistra of Yankton, SD; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Janet Swander. He was always a gentleman and put out his hand to everyone. Jack's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Sojourner House for the loving care given to Jack during his two years there. They would also like to express their appreciation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Private interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors where he will join Lois again. Memorials may be directed to Crohns' and Colitis Foundation of America CCFA, or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.