Edie Koets

Edie Koets, of Sarasota, of FL, formerly of Kalamazoo, MI passed away peacefully on May 30, 2017 at the age of 89. Edie was the younger daughter of the late Otto and Ernestine Hoefeld. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Anne Blissett, and her devoted husband, Harley Koets. She is survived by her daughters Karen Cooper (John) and Kathy Oudsema (Bill). Edie was immensely proud of her six grandchildren: Maggie Stewart (DJ), Edie Bryant (Matt), Ann Cooper, Jeffrey Harley Oudsema (Paige), Molly Koontz (Luke), and Scott Oudsema (Rebecca) and seven great-grandchildren. Edie graduated from Kalamazo Central in 1946 and then attended Parsons Business School. She was the school secretary for Roosevelt Junior High. A year later, she married the love of her life, Harley Koets. She played bridge, tennis and golf with gusto. She was a volunteer extraordinaire, chairing the Community Chest, March of Dimes and the Borgess Service League. She was full of energy, a loyal friend and a dedicated wife and mother. Edie lived life large and leaves us with a legacy of laughter, love and family. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way or the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.