Theodore Adam Kok, 42, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
Theo was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 6, 1983, to Carl and Sally (Kalmink) Kok. He was the oldest of three Kok children. Theo attended Zeeland Christian and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 2001. He became a professional truck driver and drove for 17 years, for Empire and InOnTime. Theo was very proud to serve as a Zeeland Township Firefighter for many years. Theo’s personality lended itself nicely to teach. He was a driving instructor at the trucking firm where he worked and was also a mentor and firefighter instructor at the fire academy. He married the love of his life, Heather Kelsey, on October 27, 2010. Theo’s family also generously donated his corneas at his passing to give the gift of sight to someone who needs it.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Heather, daughter Jacqueline, mother Sally Kok, parents in law Brian and Mary Kelsey, Theo’s siblings and their children: Ben and Leslie Kok (Carsten), Abby and Chris Wolters (Cole, Mia); Heather’s siblings and their children: Amanda and Justin Wisniewski, Bethany Franklin, Ryan and Kayte Kelsey (Taylor, Noah); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends. Theo was preceded in death by his father Carl Kok on February 1, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Thursday at Yntema’s, and also 12:00-12:45 pm, Friday prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to Shields of Hope.
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