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Dan Koeman

1945 - 2017

Dan Koeman obituary, 1945-2017, Holland, MI

BORN

1945

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 E 16th St

Holland, Michigan

Dan Koeman Obituary

Dan Arthur Koeman, 72, entered fully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 17, at Holland Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Born in Holland to Don and Julia Koeman, he attended Holland Christian High School, Reformed Bible College, Calvin College and Western Michigan University. Dan was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend and fellow Graafschap Church member, Gloria Sternberg on June 19, 1968. In May of 1971, Dan was in a life changing automobile accident, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. Dan was a living example of patience, positivity and what it means to live for Jesus to each of his four children. He taught them that living with a disability doesn't mean living a disabled life, and he lived life to the fullest.
Dan was an educator at heart, both during his 31 years as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton community school system, and in engaging with his own children and grandchildren.
He also served Laketown Township in the roles of Clerk and Supervisor. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. Dan took time to encourage adventures, take safe risks, and get fun owies. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator.
Dan was a passionate and creative man, who enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and being outside in nature; he shared this love of the out of doors with his children and grandchildren. He always took that extra moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of God's creation.
Dan is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Gloria (Sternberg); his children, Shanda Sprick (Gary), Tricia Warsen (Matt), Kevin Koeman (Gretchen), Ryan Koeman (Kate); and his thirteen grandchildren, Bryce, Lydia, Garrison, Simon, Noel, Michael, Dakota, Penny, Tessa, Finn, Lleyton, Vayle and Gibson. He is also survived by his siblings Jack Koeman (Joyce), Ken Koeman (Kay), Ted Koeman (Linda), Mary Hoffman (Jim), Nancy Koeman, Karen Teusink (Larry), and Keith Koeman (Pam). He is also survived by his in-laws Thelma Horn (Dave), Peg Smit (Phil), Pat Walter, Linda Butler (Pat), Sue Carlson (Steve), and Kim Becksvoort (Scott).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Julia Koeman; and his in-laws, Jerald and Harriet Sternberg.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 22 from 2-5 p.m. at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home in Holland, located at 315 E.16th Street. A celebration of Dan's life will be held on Monday evening, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E. 8th Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Blue Star Library Fund to support the students at Blue Star Elementary or to The Felt Estate in Laketown Township. www.langelandsterenberg.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Holland Sentinel on Oct. 19, 2017.

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George Collins

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George Collins

May 24, 2025

Very sorry to find this info. I met Dan at a small lake North of Hornepayne Canada, think it was 2014. He was on his way to O Sullivan Lake West of Nakina. We shared some life stories, always thought we would talk again. My condolences to his family.

Andrew Robinson

October 31, 2017

Loved this guy, he always had time to talk and was always on point with me. He was a pleasure to talk to and with, thanks Dan for your friendship.

Robert Callejas

October 26, 2017

I worked with Dan during his last few years at Blue Star Elementary School. I will never forget his energy and big hellos when I visited his classroom.

I recall one time he left the room while I was there working and while gone I told the kids that when he came back to stand up for him. I will never forget the big smile he gave when the kids like little soldiers stood up as a sign of respect when he entered the classroom.

He was one of the first teachers who welcomed me to the school system by inviting me to Bible study and also reaching out to me as a friend by giving me computer tech support business and attending church with me.

He was a good and kind man and I will miss him.

My wife and I extend our deepest sympathies to Gloria and the family.

May you sense Jesus near as you miss Dan.

October 24, 2017

I had Mr. Koeman as a teacher for both 3rd and 4th grade. His love of reading still sticks with me today. I have great memories of walking through the woods from my house to his and jumping on his trampoline. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of loss.

Sarah Soderstrom-Klingenberg

Michelle Lubbers

October 23, 2017

Mr. Koeman was a favorite teacher of mine at Blue Star elementary. He lived his life with such conviction, loved teaching, and serving others. He knew he was truly blessed with the life God had given him. My thoughts are with his family in the tough time.

Brad Zylstra

October 21, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. I spent many hours over at the Koeman house growing up and Dan was always kind, patient and forgiving even when we did not do all the right things. I will not forget watching Red Wings playoff games together and Dan taking us to his school and opening up the gym so we could play basketball (like we needed even more of that - ha!). My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

Mark and Donna Genzink

October 20, 2017

Dear Koeman Family, Our sincere sympathy to you all. Dan's death will certainly leave a huge hole here on earth. We have such fond memories of Dan/Gloria as Youth Leaders when Mark was in high school. And such great examples to us as individuals following God as well as a married couple. May you feel God's comfort and love as you journey the days and years ahead. And may all your memories give you joy when you reflect on them.

Barb and Bob Long

October 20, 2017

Our son Rob played summer baseball with Kevin several years ago. I remember Dan as being very involved & supportive, not only for his own child but for the entire team. Many great memories of those fun summers. Your entire family has our sympathy.

Carl Bos, Jr.

October 19, 2017

I am very sorry for your loss. He is a great person. I'm sorry I'm out of the state and will not be able to come to the funeral.
Carl Bos Jr.

Robin Hollebeek

October 19, 2017

Oh Koemans! So shocked to hear about your dad's death. My sympathies and daily prayers are with your whole family. Shanda I love you friend.

Kathi Bates

October 19, 2017

Gloria, I'm sending a hug your way! Erin was recalling with me how much she enjoyed getting to know you and Dan on the Israel trip. Thinking about you and your children in the days ahead.

Bruce and Marty Frens

October 19, 2017

Gloria, our hearts ache with you and your family.

Stacy (O'Donnell) Barnes

October 19, 2017

I have many great memories of Mr. Koeman at Blue Star School. He was one of those teachers that you never forget! Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time!

Elaine Van Heuvelen

October 19, 2017

Many prayers for you and your family, Gloria. Sending lots of love and hugs.
Aunt Elaine and Paul

Myra Schuiteman

October 19, 2017

We send our deepest sympathy to all of you in Dan's unexpected passing! It was always a pleasure to see you, Gloria, and Dan when we would see you in Holland! Both of you had that welcoming smile and welcome!
I recall a time when you had car trouble coming into Fremont for Kevin's game! That was quite awhile ago!
How time marches on!
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you face some lonely days ahead. May you feel God's peace and presence knowing that eternal life awaits all those who love God! Praise God for eternal life!
Most sincerely,
Ken and Myra

Ellen Berens

October 18, 2017

Dan had such a heart for his kids at Blue Star. I have many fond memories of working with him and have you all in my prayers as you go through the process of living life without Dan's physical presence.

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Memorial Events
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Oct

22

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI

Oct

23

Celebration of Life

6:30 p.m.

Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church

836 E. 8th Street, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home

315 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423

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