Donald John Vander Kooi

Donald John Vander Kooi, age 86, of Crown Point, IN, went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Devoted husband for 58 years of Joy Vander Kooi, nee Swets. Beloved father of Scott Vander Kooi and Wendy Vander Kooi. Dear friend of the family the late Lance Mc Elfresh. Loving brother of the late Charles (late Dorothy) Vander Kooi, late Marv (late Judy) Vander Kooi, and the late Ruth (late Wilbur) Marquarite. Brother-in-law of the late John (late Gertrude) Swets, late Clarence (late Jo) Swets, late Gertrude (late Ralph) Schaap, late Carrie (late John) DeVries, late LaVerne (late Art) Van Dyk, Evelyn (late Jay) Groen, and Henrietta (Butch) Dekker.

Don worked a lifelong career at R.R. Donnelley. He was an avid hobbyist that spanned fishing, kayaking, golfing, shooting, hunting, skiing, photography, gardening and travel. His love of reading led him to collecting old books, selling old books, and donating time and books to thrift centers where he worked for Jesus. Don was a United States Army Veteran. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Visitation with family and friends will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN, with Pastor Todd Krygsheld officiating. Interment Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Second Life Resale Shoppe, 1800 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307 (www.secondliferesale.com). 

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