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John Koopmans Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Koopmans
Sponsored by Laurie Kleefeld.
Dorre Howard
October 14, 2023
Karen and family, Dr. Koopmans was a wonderful person and great chirpractor. Jimmy and I (and Yap) were patients and I briefly worked in the office. I will never forget him.
Kim Adams
November 14, 2011
I know I think of John everytime I ride down Myrtle Ave and pass his office.I hope I always do..:-)
Donna-Lee Phillips
November 13, 2011
Every time I pass John's office, someone will remind us of a special joke or tactic... I especially liked the "industrial strength adjustments". Another sign is on the door of his office now. It still brings tears to my eyes. Some people in our lives will never be forgotten. John Koopmans is one of those. May all beings benefit.
J Horst
May 14, 2011
Dr. John treated me when I was was at low point in my life both physically and mentally. I found myself in eureka on a road trip from Vancouver, Canada. Both John and his wife were so kind and they allowed me to be treated immediately and gave me a break on the costs. His treatment was very thorough and he really helped me. I was able to complete my journey. He was someone that I will never forget. He will be missed and it was a pleasure to have known him.
John Galle
May 5, 2011
I just found out today of John's passing. I can't believe it. I always looked forward to my doctor visits with him when I lived in Eureka. He was a great guy and a great doc. He always spoke lovingly of his family who were obviously very important to him. The world is a lesser place without him. It's a little late, but I wish to extend my condolences to his family.
Nancy Elder
December 2, 2010
Karen and girls,
I just learned of John's passing and am shocked beyond belief. My heart aches for you. Our families were so close during our life in Arcata/Eureka and we have such wonderful memories of our times together. In fact, we recently looked at home movies and there was John and Sarah, along with Mark and Todd at the track for a jog-a-thon to benefit Arcata Christian School. I'll never forget his smile and laughter. I'm grateful that your family was a major part of our lives. All of you are in my prayers and we look forward to seeing John again someday.
Much Love,
Nancy and Jerry Elder
Donna-Lee Phillips
November 7, 2010
I came to Eureka in 1999. John Koopmans treated me without charge for more than two years. His jokes were intended to mislead the patient before one of his "industrial strength adjustments". The jokes were wonderfully awful... and John was wonderful as a doctor and as a person.
He will be missed by so many people, including me.
Richard "Rick" Khamsi
November 1, 2010
John Koopmans treated me with respect as well as humor. My first pastor once gave a sermon asking: "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" In John's case, the answer was "Yes."
October 28, 2010
I signed the Guest Book on October 21 and was told I forgot to sign our name.
I know the immediate family knows who we are but for the extended family, our deepest sympathy.May all of you find comfort in knowing that others sympathize with you and care deeply. Our love to the family. The Stivers
Ken, Rena and Jenna
Gary & Karen Johnston
October 28, 2010
We wish you well.
ismael chavez
October 26, 2010
Dr. Koopman,
I had the privelege of meeting you last year. I remember your great personality and I also remember you love for ties. I remember that you told me that you had a big collection of ties. I know you are sharing your love and ties in heaven. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in Peace and I will see you again. - Ismael (ACRG)
Kim Peterson (Scott)
October 25, 2010
Dear Karen and the Girls,
I was so very sad to here about Johns passing. Please except my deepest sympathy and know my prayers go out for you during this time. John was a wonderful doctor and will be truly missed.
Stella Fly
October 23, 2010
Every time I came to Eureka to visit my daughter, Darlene, who worked for Dr. Koopmans he always greeted me with a hug and "here's mom now". He will be missed.
My condolences to his family.
James Glover
October 23, 2010
To Karen and the girls, please accept our deepest regrets at your loss. The sheer number of messages here is a testament to the character of your husband and father. To us, he was an exceptional neighbor and occasional "adjuster." Even our Schnauzer Max benefited from John's touch. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask. Jim and Ed
Pete Johnston
October 22, 2010
Very sorry to hear of John's illness and recent passing. Every time I ran into him over the years, he was always so contagiously happy and happy to tell me all about his beautiful family. He was so proud of all of you! It was a pleasure to get to know the Koopman family after completion of your new home- way back in 1983(?) We will miss John. Love and fond rememberances from the entire Bish Construction crew.(RIP Greg{1993} and Bill {1999}).
lee&cindy gilbertson
October 22, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sharon & Stu Russell
October 22, 2010
As everyone does, we will miss John so very much--he was one of a kind. We feel your pain in John's passing to his new, eternal life with the Lord and only wish there was something we could do to help ease that pain. When things get the bleakest for you, think of one of your funniest times with him and let the smile come to you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers...we love you dear friends/neighbors and are here for you. With love, Sharon & Stu
David W. Hulbert IV
October 22, 2010
I have chronic pain, and found that in my desperate search for relief, John Koopman's "corny jokes", "terrible puns", "abominable, far-fetched riddles", etcetera were "just what the doctor ordered"...
Looking inside, I see that I am torn apart with grief, yet glad that he is no longer suffering... I guess that sounds confused... I am... I will miss him terribly "till we meet again"... Lord willing... With sincere wishes of comfort to his family and friends... The Hulbert Family
John with Greg and Kay Crocker
Greg Crocker
October 22, 2010
Today the family celebrates John's life. We will miss John, but we also know Gods promises.
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
October 22, 2010
Dear Koopmans family,
I loved my dear cousin and I will miss him, even if I was not able to see him very much. Such a lover of laughter he was. Your grief and loss must be overwhelming and only our precious Savior Jesus is able to comfort you during this time. He is able to.
Love, Kathy Duncan Smith
Keith and Cecilia Waldron
October 21, 2010
With deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Koopman. We were his patients over 20 years ago and he was such a loving and kind person. He always had a smile on his face and cured our aches and pains.
Jack and Stacey Hyland
October 21, 2010
To the Koopman Family,
We were so sorry to hear yesterday of the loss of John here on earth. We grew up together in Youth Group at FBC of Watsonville. Many great memories of youth group outings, church baseball games, swimming at the Hylands and watching sports together.
John is playing center field in heaven now.
October 21, 2010
We feel fortunate to have known the Koopman's family. Our daughter, Jenna and Ashley became very good friends first year of high school.John was so outgoing and friendly. He made our daughter feel like one of his own.
He will be greatly missed by all of us. The community has lost a man of integrity that gave so much of himself. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Judy Paseman
October 21, 2010
Karen and girls, so much sadness, yet we know he's in a much better place. That may seem trite, but it's true. During all those fundraisers at Arcata Christian School and many years as a patient, I always loved talking with John. Can't say I loved all those corny jokes, but that was John. I always maintained that he would have been able to see twice as many patients if he hadn't chatted and chatted. But, hey, our daughters were best friends and we had a lot to chat about. God bless you all in the times to come. It won't be easy, but grief is truly a process. Love to you all,
Judy Paseman
Babette Basden
October 21, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Koopmans' passing.
He took such good care of me when I was pregnant with my son and even came to see me in the hospital. He was always so happy. I loved his sense of humor and looked forward to his jokes each time I saw him.
He was so very proud of his family and my heart really goes out to them at this difficult time.
I hope it will bring some comfort to know how many lives he touched.
He was truly an amazing person and I will always remember him fondly.
Eric & Paulette Cortez
October 21, 2010
Dr. John was a blessing to all of us. We will miss his strong spirit, hands, and sense of humor. He brought joy and health to many people.
Kim Adams
October 21, 2010
I first met John and Tucker on my first year at Piersons.Tucker was a small puppy and I instanly fell in love with him,and deep like for John.John always made time to come to my register and say hi.Piersons was a second home to him and everyone enjoyed their visits.
I don't work at Piersons anymore and I was so shocked when I found out he had passed.
What a postitive attitude he had, not to mention taste in dogs.
He will be missed.
My thoughts are with his wife, daughters and his faithful sidesick Tucker.
Dorre & Jimmy Howard
October 21, 2010
Our thoughts are with Dr. John's family at this time. We have been patients for many, many years. Dr. John was a wonderful chiropractor, bringing relief to my husband, our dog Yap in her final years, our current dog Daphne, and myself. He was also a great employer and friend. But most of all, he was a giving and caring human being. We miss him so very much, but he was needed in a greater place.
October 21, 2010
John will be sorely missed on so many levels, by so many people who have benefited from his life. My thoughts and prays are with his family. Jannee Hulmes
Wendell schautz
October 21, 2010
Heartfelt condolences to Karen and family. John always lit up the room with his irrepressible mirth. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories.
Taylor Marie Baker
October 21, 2010
May God comfort your hearts today and bless you with endearing memories that your heart will always treasure. I will carry with me such fond memories of Dr. Koopmans- a healer, practical joker, and friend in Christ.
Bill Carroll
October 20, 2010
I know John will be missed by all who knew him. I had not seen him for awhile. While working at crestwood I took several of our patient to see John and he was always so kind to them. He was a special man. Bill Carroll
Nick and Bev Harrison
October 20, 2010
Our prayers are with you. John will be missed.
Vickie Childress
October 20, 2010
Karen and girls, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. ACS staff has been praying for you. John always made me smile, and not take myself so seriously. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts.
Vickie Childress
Diane Atkins
October 20, 2010
To the Koopman Family,
So sorry for your loss, and so sad to hear of John's passing,my brother Dennis and sister Jan I grew up with John, both in school and church...Diane (Coffman) Atkins
VERONICA PAYNE
October 20, 2010
HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED I ONLY KNEW HIM FOR ABOUT A YEAR HE WAS MY CHIROPRACTOR AND HE WAS VERY KIND AND A CARING MAN GOD BLESS THE FAMILY THAT HE LEFT BEHIND BUT THEY WILL BE WITH HIM IN HEAVEN!!!!! VERONICA
October 20, 2010
So sorry to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-Jan (Coffman) Jamison
Tim Tuttle
October 20, 2010
Sorry he had to go so soon. My Dad a felow Chiropractor remembers Him.. Tim Tuttle
Tiffany Holmes
October 20, 2010
Koopman Family,
Sorry to hear about your lose. John will be greatly missed, he was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I know it is not easy but try and remember all the good times.
Dennis and Tiffany Holmes (Tiffany Giacomini)
Dana Smith-Williams
October 20, 2010
I met Dr. Koopman when my family owned Smith's Ice Creamery and he would always come in for the pie. He was always smiling and in good spirits. The last time I saw him was at my father's funeral last year and he gave me a big hug and said how sorry he was. He was always so kind and happy and now he's with my dad. I hope they are looking down on us all with big smiles. He will be missed and I hope his family can find peace at a time of such sorrow.
Carrie Costa-Parton
October 20, 2010
Dr. John was the first doctor I ever worked for. He taught my a lot...baseball, golf and jokes :) He also taught my about business. I always enjoyed seeing John. He made others feel good and put a smile on your face. Now he is up with my mom (Catherine Costa) and she is probably telling him how things are done. I am sure she is happy to see him, he meant so much to her. We will all miss his smile and good nature. My heart goes out to Karen and the girls.
Emily Gibson
October 20, 2010
I knew John as a gifted chiropractor...for animals. I stood by and watched many a horse, frowning and irritated at the beginning, become soft, happy, and grateful at the end of John's work sessions. His humor, mater-of-fact directness, and positive expectation that things would all be good worked a charm on his animal patients in the same way it did with his human ones. My own dogs thought John was sent from heaven to take away their hurts. Clearly they were right.
Sherri Fosdick
October 20, 2010
Today I'm sad. The world seems a little less funny, without a man with such a great sense of humor in it. Our thoughts are with you. With love, Homer & Sherri Fosdick
October 20, 2010
My Deepest Condolences to the family. John was my chiropractor and a friend. I always enjoyed talking to him. I was always amazed what a caring person John was. He will be deeply missed. I am on Active Duty in San Diego and will be unable to attend the service. He will be in our prayers.
Sincerely,
CW4 James Bonhote
John Anderson
October 20, 2010
To "Doc's" family, and his staff, my hart felt condolences. Doc was as fine a man as has ever been known to walk amongst us. Never a discouraging word, always a joke and a good laugh to be shared. Every visit to the office was like a visit with a good friend, and difficult to leave. I will miss him, but the memory of his influence and kindness will remain. Thank you John Koopmans, for sharing your life with all of us.
Kay Ames
October 20, 2010
I was shocked when I heard of John's passing. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a wonderful, thoughtful and caring person and I'm glad I had the privilege to know him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ashley Ipock
October 20, 2010
John was such an amazing person. He was always smiling and so happy! He was always there for anyone to offer a helping hand and did it with a smile and many jokes. :) I will miss you John. Snowboarding trips will not be the same without you, but I know you'll be riding down the hill in spirit with the kids. Ride that snowboard through the clouds. There are so many good memories of being your neighbor, I will remember forever. I'm prayying and keeping your family in my thoughts. We are here for anything they need. We love you guys.
Ashley, Cammi and Bryson Ipock
Greg Crocker
October 20, 2010
I met John in the late 60's. He and I went to church together in Watsonville, and I married his beautiful sister, Kay. We surfed a few times together in Santa Cruz and made a few model airplanes together. I remember John was having trouble with his plane one day, so I said let me fly it and see if I can fix it. He said okay, so I took it up and immediately the plane went straight up out of control then came straight down into the ground. John walked over to the scattered pieces and said a few times, "out of the business". I tried to hold back the laugh as John reached down to pull the buried engine out of the ground, still mumbling "out of the business". He then walked over to the trash can at the park and tossed it in. John never blamed me for the crash but it did end our model plane building. That "out of the business" line stuck with John and me for over 40 years. John was all people said he was and more. He was a friend to me and when we lost our son Jeff at 25, John came all the way from Eureka to Kerman (8 hour drive) to be with my family and gave each of us an adjustment. When it comes to living life God's way, John did it... Way to go John, well done, good and faithful servant... you have finished the course God laid out for you, and now you have entered the Kingdom of God. I'm sure my son Jeff high-fived John the moment he entered. See you both soon.
Michelle Herderick (Bashaw)
October 20, 2010
My heartfelt thoughts go to Karen and her family and Johns family at the loss of a wonderful man, friend to so many lives he touched through the years. John took very good care of my mom Twylla and was my doctor for years when I moved back to Eureka in the mid 80's. My prayers and condolences go to all that feel the loss of a wonderful man, we believers of Christ know we will be renited on day.
Sincerely Michelle
Landy` Anderson
October 20, 2010
The Koopmans Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. John was definitely an extrodinary person.
Landy Anderson
Machelle Kelley
October 20, 2010
I wrote earlier, but forgot to add my name - John was such a happy, positive person - He is now one of God's Angles.....
Scott Crocker
October 20, 2010
We usually try not to play favorites, but 'Uncle John' was one of my little brother Jeff's favorite uncles. I'm sure it was his sense of humor! :) Uncle John was always kind, and could always make you laugh. I'm going to miss him (a lot), but I guess it's Jeff's turn to see him now.
Mike Newman
October 19, 2010
Karen & family, I am in shock in learning of John's passing. John is & will be always in my heart & mind. I pray for the Lord to comfort your hearts & minds.
Kristy Hazelrigg (Crocker)
October 19, 2010
It is so amazing how many were touched by Uncle John. He was a good man who leaves behind an amazing legacy. I love you, Uncle John, and look forward to seeing you again!! I am sure Jeff and Grandpa welcomed you Home with great big hugs, happy to see their uncle and son. You will be missed!
Ali & Greg
October 19, 2010
Dr. Koopmans will be missed by all of us! We are sorry for your loss, and our hearts go out to you. Though our hearts are sad that he has left us, we are glad that he is not suffering. We are very fortunate to have met Dr. Koopmans.
~Ezmarelda
October 19, 2010
John was one of the most upbeat and positive people I've ever known. I can't remember one visit to his office or a time when I'd run into Dr. K. around town that he wasn't smiling, laughing or quick with a good joke. He was my chiropractor for 27 years and I feel very blessed to have been one of his patients and friends. He will be deeply missed. May God bless his family at this time of loss. Robin Walsh Grimm
Jim & Dru Lindsey
October 19, 2010
Dru and I know he is a loving person and God will take care of him now. We pray that his children and wife will know how much he was loved.
October 19, 2010
We met Dr. Koopmans several years ago as patients.
He was NEVER without a smile and a positive outlook on this life, AND the one he's enjoying now.
Jack & Faye Kistler
John & Cheryl Keay
October 19, 2010
We have such fond memories of all those fund raisers together at ACS. John had us in stitches while we flipped pancakes, picked up garbage, and ran those laps. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen, and the girls. He will be missed.
Sylvia Lazerick
October 19, 2010
I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Koopmans and his wife Karen professionally. Every contact and meeting with them was full of stories and laughter. They made you feel like a part of the family. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers to Karen and the Family at this time.
Fatima Naylor
October 19, 2010
I belonged to BNI with Dr. Koopmans and his smile was truly contagious. What a true loss to this community! My thought and prayers are with his family.
Julie Klemp
October 19, 2010
Dr. Koopmans took care of me for many years and always had some jokes to share that always made me laugh, he was always kind to you every time you saw him and he will be greatly missed by me. God bless his family in these times of sorrow.
Al & Terry Tomlin
October 19, 2010
We were sad to learn of John's death. Our prayers are with his family. He was a compassionate man who cared about everyone around him no matter what.
Tom Schallert
October 19, 2010
John will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues. Will never forget his happy smile and friendly demeanor with the staff at the blood bank where he was a regular donor for years. And as a fun memory, John always recalled playing frisbee with us when we visited his former next door neighbors. Not significant except we tossed the frisbees from the deck on the second floor of his house to the neighbors whose deck was also on the second floor of their house. Lots and lots of banter and laughter whenever John was around. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Tom, Tess and Monica Schallert
Carol Davis
October 19, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Who can forget his boundless enthusiasm and energy. I was always interested to know the latest record time it took for he and friend Darrell Schorlig to race around 18 holes at Baywood. My thoughts are with John's many friends and family. Rest in peace John if you can, we will miss you.
Helen Hall
October 19, 2010
I was a patient of Dr. Koopmans, he always had a big smile on his face and a clean joke to share. My condolences to his family and staff. He will be missed
Laurie Kleefeld
October 19, 2010
John and Larry attended Los Angeles College of Chiropractic together. John graduated a year before Larry and John and Karen moved to Eureka to set up practice. We followed a year later in 1977 and set up practice in Arcata. John and Karen were so good to us, welcoming us and helping us find our first apartment. We were neighbors and Karen gave me her maternity clothes from her pregnancy with Sarah when I was expecting our first child, Kristen. They introduced us to Ron Wunner and Arcata Christian School where all 3 of our daughters attended K-8. They were instrumental in my decision to follow Christ in my life. We were so blessed by John & Karen. John's love of God, his wife and girls was always so evident to me and this is a wonderful legacy he leaves behind to all of those who were touched by his love and humor. My heart is pained to think how much your hearts must ache and miss your wonderful husband and father. May the Lord give you his peace and comfort in your loss Karen and may he grant the same for your 4 wonderful daughters.
Vicki Foster
October 19, 2010
I am so shocked and saddened by the loss of Dr. Koopmans. He was a wonderful person. I loved his jokes and genuine love of people and animals. God Bless him.
With love,
Vicki Foster
Mark Huddleson
October 19, 2010
Dr. Koopmans took care of me and my family for several decades. He will be deeply missed!
Howard Scott
October 19, 2010
To the best friend I ever had. Will miss you.
Joanna Arnold
October 19, 2010
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Koopmans death. He will be missed by many. My heart goes out to his family.
Don Molander
October 19, 2010
To The Koopmans Family: I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I first met Dr. Koopmans, When I attended the Arcata Christian School way back in the early 80's. May God be especially near to you during this difficult time.
Vee Sorenson
October 19, 2010
I don't remember ever seeing John without a smile on his face and I appreciated the way he always kept a bible in every room of his office. His faith was always evident.
Gary and Cindy Anderson
October 19, 2010
We are deeply saddened to hear of Johns passing. His picture in the obituary is so typical....always smiling. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Cathleen West
October 19, 2010
I was stunned to read that Dr. Koopmans had died. I can still see his big smile.
as he walked into the exam room. What a witness of a positive Christian attitude. The angels are enjoying that smile now!
Charles McPartland
October 19, 2010
John truly was a very special friend to everyone. He possibly was the most congenial and pleasant person I've ever met. I used to enjoy teasing him about how his jokes became less humorous as he got older. My heartfelt thoughts remain with John's family at this difficult time. I feel a special sadness for Tucker, who was loved and adored by John. They truly were shadows of the other.
Jennifer & Tom Smith
October 19, 2010
Sarah and Family -
My heart pours out for your loss. Your Dad lived a very full and wonderful life. I pray you keep the happy and loving memories close to your hearts during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Eric Wennerholm
October 19, 2010
The world became a little bit quieter. John will be missed and remembered. May he rest in peace.
October 19, 2010
Love and Prayers to Karen and the girls...... I've known the family for + 25 years - our daughters danced together with Jane for many years..... John was a wonderful Doctor - although he cured me, I haven't needed him in about 18 mos - Thanks John.........God will help you through these hard time.......
Darlene Ames
October 19, 2010
I will miss you very much Dr. John. We worked together for 22 years during which time a lot of good times were shared. My sincere condolences to your family in the loss of a very special man.
Jerry Jackson
October 19, 2010
My heart goes out to you all at your time of loss. We will all miss him.
Jerry Jackson, D.C.
Joan Maxwell
October 19, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great guy, always had a joke and that positive attitude. After I had moved to Colorado and came back for a visit, I made an appointment to see him and he acted like it hadn't been years since he had last seen me. He will be missed.
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