David Lee Vander Kooi, age 85, of Zeeland, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Holland Hospital.
David was very active in local politics serving on Holland City Council (formed the airport authority, started Evergreen Commons with Ed Prince, purchased the Van Raalte Farm property); Ottawa County Board of Commissioners (Board Chairman two times, started County Park Commission); Ottawa County Road Commission (Chairman three times, State Chair of Southern Association, State Chair Road Commission Public Relations Committee, Life Member State Road Commission). He also had over 30 years in public service on the Ottawa County Fair Board (President in their 50th anniversary year); Holland JC President; JC National Director; JC Ambassador to the country of Belize in 1976; Holland Harbor Lighthouse (Big Red) Historical Commission; eight years with Boy Scout Troop 157 at Calvary on 8th (five years honor troop on Mackinac Island, helped cook for 60 scouts and 10 leaders); and Royal Parkside Board for 25 years. He also worked at Haworth and retired as a Sales Manager from Trendway. He was a member of Calvary on 8th Church.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna Mae Vander Kooi; sisters, Kristi Lynn Vander Kooi and Charlene Ten Broek; and brothers-in-law, Lonnie Ten Broek and Terry Vande Water.
David is survived by his:
Wife of 63 years, Bonnie Vander Kooi
Sons
Matthew (Rebecca) Vander Kooi of Holland
Gregg Vander Kooi of Holland
Grandchildren
Anna (Nate) Schulz
Holly Vander Kooi
Megan Vander Kooi
Great Grandchildren
Will Schulz
Maddy Schulz
Sister
Janice (Ron) Mulder of Schoolcraft
In-Laws
Nancy Vander Water of Zeeland
Fonda (Bill) Marlink of Hudsonville
Kenlyn (Mike) Moon of Ft. Collins, CO
Funeral services are planned for 11:00am Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Calvary on 8th Church, 995 E 8th St., Holland, with Rev. Daniel Carter officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00-7:00pm Tuesday, May 12, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S State St., Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and Hospice of Holland.
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