LifeStoryNet.com

Life Story Funeral Homes®
The exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience

 

Life Story Funeral Homes®
The exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience

Carleen Kooistra

March 9, 2017
Kalamazoo, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg

Obituary


Print

Kooistra, Carleen K. Passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the age of 68. Carleen was born September 21, 1948 in Pensacola, FL to Charles and Doris (Gilson) Burnham. She was united in marriage to Gregg S. Kooistra on August 8, 1970 for a loving 46 years together. Gregg and Carleen were best friends and partners and loved spending time together. A devoted mother and Nana, her family was her joy. She was generous with her time with them and was there whenever they needed her. She loved spending days with her grandsons - taking them shopping, watching their soccer games, and being a part of their daily life growing up. She got a kick out of her "grand kitties", Norma and Otto, and eagerly awaited daily pictures and videos. Carleen greatly enjoyed her many trips, holidays, and celebrations with "The Gang", family, and Friday lunches with the girls. After retiring from ECCU after 32 years, she could be found on her deck with her Kindle reading and listening to the birds, watching especially for cardinals and hummingbirds. Carleen is survived by her husband, Gregg S. Kooistra; children, Kelley (Marc) Chenier and Korrey (Bill Karcz) Kooistra; grandchildren, Braden and Drew Chenier; mother, Doris Burnham; twin sister, Charleen (Roy) Richardson; half-sister Eva (Detlef) Ruegner; many nieces and nephews; and "The Gang". Carleen was preceded in death by her father, Charles; and in-laws Jack and Lois Kooistra. The family will greet friends on Monday, March 13th from 10-11am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., where a memorial service will begin at 11:00am. Rev. James Dyke will officiate. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carleen's name may be directed to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, West Michigan Cancer Center, or Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. Family would also like to extend great thanks to all of her medical providers and caregivers. For obituary and condolences, please see Carleen's personalized page at www.langelands.com.