Dale Glenn Kooy

Dale Glenn Kooy, age 90, of Lansing, Illinois, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday,October 12, 2026.Dale was the beloved husband of Shirley Ann Kooy, née Sons. The two met when Shirley was in high school, though Shirley was initially hesitant to date Dale because she thought he was too tall and rode a motorcycle. They married in 1955. Seventy-one years later, their story had grown into a lifetime of shared memories, coordinating outfits, laughter, and a beautiful family legacy. Dale had a playful sense of humor. He loved to tease the people closest to him, especially Shirley, and was always ready with a joke or a playful remark to bring a smile to those around him. Dale was the loving father of Brian (Donna) Kooy, Sherry (Steve) Bieschke, and Todd (Joanna) Kooy. He was a cherished grandfather to Katie (Nick) Djuric, Renae (Andrew) Fentress, Kevin Kooy, Brad (Lisa) Bieschke, Abby Bieschke, Adam Bieschke, Andrew (Missy) Bieschke, Derek (Marissa) Bieschke, Dale (Emily) Bieschke, Kara (Mike) Cayley, Logan (McGinley) Kooy, Case (Jordan) Kooy, Leah Kooy, and Mitchell Kooy (fiancée Kaley). And Bowser (labradoodle). His legacy continues through his beloved great-grandchildren: Viktor, Luka, and Novak Djuric; Leiana, Eden, and Elliott Fentress; Dominick Nieves; Adam Bieschke; Ryan, Brandon, and Brooke Bieschke; Ellie, Aubrey, and Rory Cayley; and Aden and Keller Kooy, with two more blessings on the way. Dale was the dear brother of the late Glenn Dale (Carrie) Kooy, the late Allen (the late Mabelle) Kooy, the late Ronald (the late Anne) Kooy, the late Lorraine (the late Lester Hoekstra and the late Art Wiers), and the late Wayne (the late Joyce) Kooy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Alice Kooy.

Dale devoted many years to serving at Grace Church. He served in a variety of leadership roles throughout the church and was often called upon to lead in prayer. In his younger years, alongside Shirley, he faithfully led the church’s youth group, investing in generations of young people. Dale also spent years teaching catechism to students at Grace Church. Long after those years of service, former students continue to cherish the memories they made and the lessons they learned from Dale and Shirley.  He was also a gifted woodworker who spent countless hours in his woodshop crafting pieces that his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends continue to treasure. Woodworking was another way Dale and Shirley shared their talents: together, they created wooden ornaments and home décor that Shirley would paint, turning their shared work into treasured keepsakes. A United States Army veteran, Dale went on to work for Commonwealth Edison as a lineman for many years. Dale will be remembered for his enduring faith, his leadership, his playful sense of humor, a perfectly manicured lawn, and the love he shared with Shirley and their family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the laughter he inspired. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Visitation Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. There will also be visitation on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Funeral service following at 10:30 a.m. conducted by Pastor Andy Nearpass. Interment Skyline Memorial Park – Monee, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to the Youth Ministry at Grace Church 2740 Indiana Ave. Lansing, IL 60438. For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com

For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com