Bernard (Bernie) Koops was born on April 20, 1912 in Kansas and passed away Dec. 12, 2016 in Holland, Michigan, at the age of 104. Bernie was raised in Colorado and later attended Calvin College where he received his teaching credentials in 1934.
Bernie taught one year in a one-room schoolhouse in Hull, North Dakota, before moving to Lynden in 1935 where he spent 20 years serving Christian education in Lynden. He taught grades 6, 7 and 8 for three years before becoming principal of the old Lynden Christian Grade School on Grover Street. His monthly pay in 1935 was $50 per month for the first nine months.
Lynden Christian High School was formed in 1945 after the end of World War II. Bernie served as its principal until 1955. During his time at Lynden Christian, the school grew from eight teachers and 180 students (grades 1-8) to 30 teachers and 400 students (grades 1-12).
From Lynden, the Koops family moved to Rehoboth, New Mexico, where Bernie was principal for nine years. He completed his career teaching Bible at Holland Christian for another 12 years. Mr. Koops’ reputation was marked by warmth and grace toward his students and their families. Further, his remarkable memory of stories remained with him to the end.
On Bernie’s 100th birthday his book “100 Years of Providence – Stories from My Life” was published. Romans 8:28 followed the title of the book. There are 47 pages describing the Lynden community before and after the formation of the high school. He stated: “I am a Westerner at heart, yearning for the lofty mountains and the deep blue skies.” This book is available to the public in the LCHS library.
Bernie was married to his wife, Jean, for 70 years and their five children were born during their time spent in Lynden. Jean passed away in 2006. Bernie is survived by his five children, 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The children are: Marcia Chrzanowski of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Dr. J. Barry (Rev. Delianne) Koops of El Cerrito, California; Dr. Rob (Esther) Koops of Gallup, New Mexico; Glen (Linda) Koops of Lawrence-ville, Georgia; and Paul Koops (Wendy Watkins) of Dolores, Colorado.
Memorial services will be held in Holland, Michigan, on Jan. 7, 2017. Contributions in Bernie’s name may be made to Calvin College, Hospice of Holland or any of the Christian schools he served.
Expressions of condolence to the family may be sent to Dr. J. Barry Koops, 1007½ Contra Costa Drive, El Cerrito, CA 94530.
Bernard (Bernie) Koops was born on April 20, 1912 in Kansas and passed away Dec. 12, 2016 in Holland, Michigan, at the age of 104. Bernie was raised in Colorado and later attended Calvin College where he received his teaching credentials in 1934.
Bernie taught one year in a one-room schoolhouse in Hull, North Dakota, before moving to Lynden in 1935 where he spent 20 years serving Christian education in Lynden. He taught grades 6, 7 and 8 for three years before becoming principal of the old Lynden Christian Grade School on Grover Street. His monthly pay in 1935 was $50 per month for the first nine months.
Lynden Christian High School was formed in 1945 after the end of World War II. Bernie served as its principal until 1955. During his time at Lynden Christian, the school grew from eight teachers and 180 students (grades 1-8) to 30 teachers and 400 students (grades 1-12).
From Lynden, the Koops family moved to Rehoboth, New Mexico, where Bernie was principal for nine years. He completed his career teaching Bible at Holland Christian for another 12 years. Mr. Koops’ reputation was marked by warmth and grace toward his students and their families. Further, his remarkable memory of stories remained with him to the end.
On Bernie’s 100th birthday his book “100 Years of Providence – Stories from My Life” was published. Romans 8:28 followed the title of the book. There are 47 pages describing the Lynden community before and after the formation of the high school. He stated: “I am a Westerner at heart, yearning for the lofty mountains and the deep blue skies.” This book is available to the public in the LCHS library.
Bernie was married to his wife, Jean, for 70 years and their five children were born during their time spent in Lynden. Jean passed away in 2006. Bernie is survived by his five children, 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The children are: Marcia Chrzanowski of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Dr. J. Barry (Rev. Delianne) Koops of El Cerrito, California; Dr. Rob (Esther) Koops of Gallup, New Mexico; Glen (Linda) Koops of Lawrence-ville, Georgia; and Paul Koops (Wendy Watkins) of Dolores, Colorado.
Memorial services will be held in Holland, Michigan, on Jan. 7, 2017. Contributions in Bernie’s name may be made to Calvin College, Hospice of Holland or any of the Christian schools he served.
Expressions of condolence to the family may be sent to Dr. J. Barry Koops, 1007½ Contra Costa Drive, El Cerrito, CA 94530.
