Gene Koopman

On January 17 2016, God called his name, and Gene Philip Koopman rose to spend eternal life with him in heaven. After a sixteen month battle with cancer, he is now free from sorrow and pain.

Gene was born on June 7, 1948 to John and Gertrude Koopman. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law Marvin Kroll. He is survived by his wife of 40 years and best friend, Helen, and sisters Sydelle Kroll of Holland, Karen (Don) Kane of Holland, Linda (Paul) Volkers of Douglas, and Gail (Dave) Taylor of Holland, Sisters-in-law Sally Bisard of Banning, CA, Judie Zoerhof of Laguna, CA, brother-in-law Ross Zoerhof of Bahia Asuncion, Mexico, and mother-in-law Dorothy Zoerhof of Holland, several nieces and nephews, and very special friends Dave and Lois Smits of Holland.

Gene was a life-long Holland resident, having graduated from Holland High School in 1966. Shortly after graduation, he became interested in emergency first aid, taking Red Cross training, and later becoming a Red Cross instructor. He worked as a part time ambulance attendant for Dykstra Funeral Home while attending Grand Valley to get his advanced EMT Paramedics License. From there he went on to enjoy a 25 year career in law enforcement with the Ottawa County Sheriff Department, mostly working with the Holland/Park Township E-unit. He also served for several years on the Park Township board. For the past 4 years, he worked with 70x7 Life Recovery, a program designed to help ex-offenders get back on their feet.

Gene was an active member of Central Park Reformed Church, having served as both an elder and deacon. He was especially fond of singing in both the choir and praise team.

Gene was an avid UofM fan, and enjoyed boating, fishing, and Red Wings hockey. He will always be remembered for his neon colored baseball hats, but mostly for his quirky sense of humor, and that he considered anybody to be fair game for his teasing.

A memorial service will be held Monday January 25, 2016 at 11am at Central Park Reformed Church, 614 Myrtle Ave with Rev. Kevin Kleinheksel officiating.

Friends may greet the family Sunday, 2pm-4, 7pm-9 at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Home, 188 West 32nd St.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Hospice of Holland, 70x7 Life Recovery, or the Central Park Church Sound Equipment Fund.

Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to sign an online registry or leave a memory.