Stephen "Charlie" Kooistra

Stephen “Charlie” Kooistra, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 22, 2025, just three days shy of his 72nd birthday. Charlie was born on November 25, 1953, in Hammond, Indiana, to Dick and Jessie Kooistra.

Charlie grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Phoenix Christian Schools for elementary, middle, and high school. He graduated from Phoenix Christian High School in 1972, later attending Arizona State’s Carpentry School. His strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and love of working with his hands shaped the path of his life.

Throughout his career, Charlie worked in multiple trades, including construction, operating his own business, Charlie’s Lawn Service, and working with McCarthy Construction in Phoenix. In 2003, he realized a long-held dream when he became the owner/operator of the Eagletail Ranch, which he proudly operated for the rest of his life.

Charlie was deeply involved in his community. He was a dedicated Mason/Shriner with El Zaribah and served as Mounted Patrol Captain in 2011. He also gave 17 years of service to the Harquahala Valley Fire District Board, where his commitment and integrity left a lasting impact. Charlie loved his family above all else. He is survived by his devoted wife, Stephanie Kooistra; his children, Nicolaas Kooistra, Shaina Kooistra, and Tara Weightman; and his sister, Jane Cavaglieri. He was a proud grandfather to Realyn Weightman, McKenna Weightman, James Weightman III, Samuel Weightman, Emma Weightman, Joy Szoenyi, and Jami Besler, as well as a great-grandfather to Emery James Pacheco and Kayden Edward Chittim.

Charlie will be remembered for his humor, strength, generosity, and the unwavering love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the community he served. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley or Shriners Children’s Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Eagletail Ranch in Harquahala Valley.