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Memorial for Howard L. Koetje
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Born in Lynden, Washington on Jan. 9, 1928
Departed on Mar. 17, 2013 and resided in Lynden, WA.
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| Visitation: |
Friday, Mar. 22, 2013
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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| Service: |
Saturday, Mar. 23, 2013
11:00 am
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| Cemetery: |
Monumenta Cemetery
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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Howard "Squeak" L. Koetje, age 85 of Lynden, went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 17, 2013. He was born January 9, 1928 in Lynden to Clarence and Alice (Haveman) Koetje; was a life-time Whatcom County resident and attended Nooksack Valley High School. On March 31, 1947 he married Dalene "Pink" DeVries in Sumas. Together they dairy farmed on the Line Road and raised their family. Active in his community, Howard "Squeak" coached numerous fast-pitch teams; including church league and Lynden Auction team; as well as coaching Little League softball. In retirement, he drove truck for Vander Griend Lumber and Whatcom Farmers Co-Op. An outdoorsman at heart, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He delighted in sharing a cup of coffee with numerous friends in the community. Howard was a member and former deacon of Sumas Christian Reformed Church.
Preceded in death by infant son, John Daryl in 1948; brothers Ron and Neal; Howard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 66 years, Dalene "Pink"; children Barbara (Joe) Zylstra of Ferndale, Cheryl (Dale) Hendricks of Lynden and Galen (Tami) Koetje of Lynden; grandchildren Julie (Denny) Vander Velden, Janna (Brian) Libolt, Tim Koetje, Trisha (Kevin) Van Beek, Tara (Tyson) Muggerud, Becky (Tyler) Bos and Tracee (Ian) Van Ry; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings Alvin Koetje of Mt. Vernon, Beverly (Martin) Sterk of Everson, Norma (Jerry) Stenevich and Joanne (Gaylon) VanderYacht of Lynden and best friend and brother-in-law, Ted Vander Mey.
Visitation hours will be Friday, March 22, 4 to 7 pm at Gillies Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, March 23, 10 am at Monumenta Cemetery followed by an 11:00 am memorial funeral service at Sumas Christian Reformed Church, 700 Sumas Ave., Sumas. The family suggests memorials to Sumas Christian Reformed Church, PO Box 217, Sumas, WA 98295.
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