Kornelius Albert Kooistra

November 23, 1927 - February 17, 2017

Kornelius (Corny) Kooistra, 89, of Rapid City, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at Munson Medical Center. Kornelius was born on November 23, 1927 in Mancelona, to Aries and Irene (Vanniman) Kooistra. He grew up in Mancelona and graduated from Mancelona High School. He was drafted while still in high school, and received a deferment to finish high school at his mother’s insistence. He had the patience of Job. After high school, Kornelius served in the United States Army Air Force during the occupation of Japan, where he took aerial photos. Kornelius retired from Munson Medical Center where he spent 33 years working in the lab, assisted with autopsies and also transported donor organs. He was a member of the VFW post 15023 and 7126. His hobbies included gardening, farming, deer and raccoon hunting, and ice fishing. He was also involved with Boy Scouts and made maple syrup. Kornelius was a jokester and loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Donna, children Teresa (Chuck) Driggett, Barbara Kooistra, Leroy Kooistra and Kimberly (John) Barnes, 12 grandchildren; Sarah (Joe) Carson, Abram (Ashley Clark) Amidon, Danny (Katie) Driggett, Jackie (Chris) Kibbe, Mary Ellen (Carl) Bluhm, Albert Carr, Jamie (Tony) Howe, Paula (Tommy Coronado) Carr, Jessica (Ryan) Kelly, Courtney (Tommy) Tufford, Taylor and Trenton Kooistra, and 25 great grandchildren, sisters; Alzora Merrilot, Hilda Buller, Louise (Todd) Kuyper and Elsie Coger. Many extended family and friends will remember him fondly. Kornelius was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Helena Arnold and Mary Otto. Visitation will take place from 1-3 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at the Kalkaska Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 3:00pm. Pastor Steve Packer will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the Church of Christ hall in Rapid City. Memorial contributions may be given to the family or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.