Pauline Kooistra, 97, of Pella, passed away suddenly on May 14, 2022. Private graveside services will be held Thursday, May 19, at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Memorials may be given to the Berean Baptist Church Missionary Fund.
Pauline Van Der Wilt, a daughter of Henry and Minnie (Vande Krol) Van Der Wilt was born July 16, 1924, on a farm in Jasper County, southeast of Sully. Pauline received her education by attending the Junction Country Grade School through the eighth grade. Upon graduation, she worked at home helping her parents on the family farm and also as a waitress at the Sully Cafe.
Mar. 7, 1945, she was united in marriage with David Brand Kooistra at Oskaloosa. To this union three children were born: Donna Lou, Verla Rae, and Merlin Dale. Following their marriage, Dave and Pauline farmed west of Sully for 35 years. In 1977. they moved to Pella into the home they had built. Pauline excelled in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed being a seamstress, crocheting, quilting, planting, and maintaining her flowers and garden. Pauline would then spend countless hours canning from her vegetables. Family and friends were always welcome to her table for a cup of coffee, a piece of pie, and a dish of ice cream. She was well known for her abilities to cook and bake and was an exceptional hostess.
Jan. 14, 2004, David passed away at the age of 80. Pauline and David had been blessed with 59 years of marriage. Pauline was a strong, independent woman and lived in her own home after the age of 90. Her son Merlin Dale Kooistra passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 23, 2019, at the age of 62. Pauline’s health declined and later she became a resident of The Cottages in Pella.
Those left to celebrate her long life are her two children Donna L. (Harlan) Terlouw of Pella and Verla R. (Gregory) Hoekstra of Pella; her daughter-in-law Joy Kooistra of Pella; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, husband, and son Merlin, Pauline was the last surviving member of her original family, preceded in death by her sister Florence Renaud, her brother Floyd Van Der Wilt, and a baby brother who died in infancy.
Pauline accepted Christ at an early age and loved the Lord. She attended Berean Baptist Church in Pella for many years.
Pauline will be greatly missed by her family.
