Kooima, Lawrence 1917-1943

KOOIMA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/1/2014 at 17:50:14

April 7, 1950 Sioux Center News

Memorial Military Rites For Military funeral services were held for Lawrence Kooima of the Air Force at the family home at L:30 o'clock and in the high school auditorium at 2:00 o'clock' Saturday afternoon. All business places were closed from 1 to 3:30 in respect. Flags were at half mast.

Rev. S. Camminga conducted the funeral services. A male quartet, Clarence Mulder, John Vande Kerk, Lorance De Vries and Bas Lems sang "Abide With Me" and Jesus Saviour Pilot .Me".. At the close of the service the congregationfsang "Saved by Grace". ClarencefKempema played the Organ.

Lawrence Kooima was born on July 26, 1917 to Mr and Mrs. Tim Kooima. He graduated from the Rock Valley High school in 1935. He entered the army air corps on September 7, 1941. He went overseas in April 1943 and had participated in 22 air raids. He was shot down while on his 23rd raid over Bremen, German on October 8, 1943.. He was reported missing in action in October that year, afterwards was declared legally dead and it was not until last fall that word was received his temporary grave had been found and the remains would subsequently be shipped home.

He is survived by his parents, Mr and Mrs. Tim Kooima, Sam, Tracey (Mrs. Al Harmsen), Paul, Edward, Arthur, Gertrude (Mrs. Henry Rozeboom) and Lois (Mrs. Ted Ribbens) of Grand Rapids, Mich. One sister, Adrianna passed away in 1930. Pallbearers to bear their comrade to his last resting place in Valley View cemetery were Bas Lems, Marinus Oostra, Richard Visser, Ted Baartman, William Vanden Top and Gary Van Ktey. The pall bearers walked beside the flag draped casket in the funeral car to the depot led by the color bearers and guards followed by a large body of service men of both wars, Lawrence had won the air medal W/3 Oakleaf clusters and the distinguished flying cross. Before enlisting he had served as a school teacher and a farmer. He was a member of the Valley Chorus and was always ready to do his part in serving humanity.

Those attending from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Ted Ribbons of Grand Rapids Mich; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Noteboom of Inwwod; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hauser, of Inwood; Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit Van Otterloo and Mr. aud Mrs. Lawrence Achterhof of Sioux Center.

The high school auditorium was well filled by the large crowd attending the funeral.