Gerald Vander Kooi

Gerald Keith Vander Kooi, age 74, went to be with Jesus on April 13, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Gerald was born March 11, 1949 to Mildred (Geerdes) and John Vander Kooi. He graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1967 and continued on to Bellingham Technical College to become an electronic technician. He was proud to serve in the Army from 1970—1972, and spent most of his time at Fort Hood. 

Gerald worked at Lloyd’s Electronics and The ‘Lectronic Shoppe for many years fixing TVs, radios, CB’s, and pretty much anything broken. He also worked on the family farm. Gerald was a proficient ham radio operator, and enjoyed translating Morse code and picking up radio stations from all over the world. He was a curious, lifelong learner — very content and easy going with a servant heart. He was quiet and quick witted, thoughtful and kind, precise and purposeful but always with a mischievous grin. 

He was an amazing dad who loved Jesus. He taught his kids about Jesus through his actions, was the most patient and calm homework helper, played catch, went to baseball games in sun and rain alike, and sat through middle school orchestra concerts. He always had a butterscotch handy and taught us all that you don’t need words to love others. He was the first to help pull a family member or a stranger’s vehicle out of a snow drift or ditch. He was a Mariners lover, weather aficionado, and a proud local farmer. Gerald was a member at Faith Reformed Church.

He is survived by his wife of almost 39 years, Cheryl; daughter Susan; son Daniel and Erin (Roosma) Vander Kooi; and grandchildren, Taya, Case, and Blake Vander Kooi. He is also survived by his brother and lifelong friend, Marlin, and sister-in-law Nellie (Van Weerdhuizen) Vander Kooi; and sister-in-law Karen (Van Buren) and brother-in-law Jim Sanger. He was loved by his nieces Tricia and Sheri and his nephews Kevin and Evan. 

Family and friends are invited for Visitation at Gillies Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 19, from 5-7pm. The memorial service will be held at Faith Reformed Church on Thursday April 20, at 2pm. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.