Kooiker, Henry 1918-2014

KOOIKER, BOLKS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 7/23/2014 at 14:35:11

Source: Whites Funeral Home orbit (3-3-2014)

Born: October 11, 1918
Died: February 24, 2014

Henry Kooiker was born October 11, 1918 in Middleburg, Iowa to Ralph and Jennie Kooiker. He had four brothers and three sisters. At age 14, he went to live with an uncle as a farm hand.

Henry married Esther Bolks on August 4, 1938. They had four children, Donna, Janice, Erwin, and Alora. Henry farmed until the family moved to Bellflower, California in 1953. He worked as a landscape gardener until his retirement at age 83. During their marriage Henry and Esther enjoyed square dancing, camping with family and friends, were active church members and strong supporters of the ARC Program. Henry also enjoyed bowling and gardening.

After the death of his wife and son, Henry moved to Vintage Assisted Living in Cerritos, California where he continued to be active in Wii bowling, exercise class and many other social activities. He enjoyed being crowned Valentine King and winning the Halloween costume two years in a row.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; son, Erwin; son-in-law, Harold Halbersma; parents, Ralph and Jennie Kooiker; four brothers, John, Art, Edwin, and Elmer and two sisters, Jennie and Harriet.

He is survived by three daughters, Donna Halbersma, Janice (Tom) Gegenheimer, Alora (Robert) Miedema; one sister, Maxine; five married grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Memorials will be directed to the ARC program. Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, California.