Ronald W Kooy

Ronald W. Kooy, Heritage Centre, Jamestown, North Dakota (95), went home to be with his Lord, Tuesday, May 23, at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown.

Ron was born October 17, 1921, to Cornelius and Alice (Veldkamp) Kooy in Lansing, Illinois.

Attending Lansing Public School, he graduated from Thornton Fractional High School in 1939. Following his graduation, he worked various jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Navy (July 3, 1942). Yeoman Kooy was stationed at Whidbey Island, WA. Later as part of a communications liaison team, he sailed with the British Pacific fleet aboard the HMS Euryalus and the HMNZS Achilles . Following the Japanese surrender he served on Admiral Nimitz’ staff at CINC PAC, Hawaii. Chief Petty Officer Kooy was honorably discharged April 8, 1946.

Following the War, Ron found employment at Inland Steel (East Chicago, Indiana), where he worked first as Secretary to the Medical Director and then as Administrative Supervisor for the Electrical Department. He retired in 1982 after 32 years. While employed at Inland, he met and married Anne Rudy. They were married April 30, 1955 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Living in Lansing, IL (1955-1989), Plymouth, IN (1989-2009) and Jamestown, ND (2009-2017), Ron served the Lord Jesus Christ at Grace Reformed Church (60+ years), Plymouth Wesleyan Church (20 years) and Temple Baptist Church (seven years). His service (deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, choir and various committees) was rooted in his love for Christ and His church. He also supported other ministries, giving generously to those in need. Together with his wife Anne, he opened his home to foster children through the Evangelical Child Family Agency, Wheaton, IL, (and served on the board). They also adopted children.

Ron loved gardening (describing himself as a "pseudo" farmer). His specialties were strawberries and asparagus, but he grew all sorts of vegetables, popcorn and flowers. He planted trees wherever he went, including fruit trees, but he especially loved oaks. He planted his last two oaks at the home of his daughter and outside his Heritage Centre apartment. An avid reader, his interests included finance and spiritual growth. Ron took several college business courses. He took piano lessons as an adult, wanting to learn how to read music. Family times often included discussions on politics and theology.

Ron was preceded in death by a brother (Allan), a sister (Lorraine), a son (Sam) and a son-in-law (Brian).

He is survived by his wife Anne (Jamestown, ND): two daughters, Kristy (Randy) Jaspers, Jamestown and Susan Barkwell (Scottsdale, AZ); two sons, Darrell (Kathie) Kooy, Aurora, IL and Neil (Kelly) Kooy, Jonesborough, TN; 13 grandchildren: Mark, Michael (Adrienne), Ryan, Lisa and Karen Jaspers; Melissa (Brad) Mital; Caroline (Mitch) Pearson; Grace (Andy) Lithio; Sarah, Chloe and Sophie Kooy; Brittany and Brandon Barkwell; five great grandchildren: Ellie, Ian and Nadia Jaspers; Charlotte and Emmett Pearson; three brothers, Wayne, Dale and Glenn.

Memorial Service: 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 10, Good Shepherd Chapel, Ave Maria Village, with military honors

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