Kenneth Lee Koetje

Kenneth Lee Koetje, age 70, of Holland, passed away Saturday March 23, 2024 following his battle with cancer. Ken was born on December 28, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona to Mynard and Donna Koetje (Siebelink). Ken later married Mary Ann Hart (Koetje) on September 14, 1973 in Holland, Michigan.

Ken began his career during the early years of Prince Corporation (later Johnson Controls) in 1972. Over his 34 years at Prince, Ken enjoyed many roles including the machine shop, machine painting, machine assembly, die cast quality, transportation and dispatch, and stock room. It gave him great joy to be a part of this very special Prince family environment. Wherever Ken was, he brought along his positive and welcoming attitude, good natured humor, and his infectious laugh. Ken’s dedication and hard work was driven by his deep love and commitment to his wife and kids. All of the characteristics modeled by Ken also rubbed off on his grandsons. The life and future Ken provided to his family was pretty impressive from a guy that didn’t like school too much but squeaked out a diploma from West Ottawa High School in 1971.

Ken had a huge passion for collecting unique and interesting antiques. This included old traffic lights, gas pumps, candy machines, oil cans, and anything pertaining to old gas stations. He also enjoyed driving to the beach to watch the big ships and pleasure boats come in and to enjoy the scenery. Ken loved Jesus, liked to play by the rules, was as honest as they come, and somehow managed to never receive a traffic violation.

Ken is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary of Holland; his son, Mitch (Kelly) Koetje of Marquette; his daughter, Melanie (Significant other Brian Sweers) Koetje of Kent City; grandchildren Max and Eli Koetje of Marquette; brother Randy (Val) Koetje of Holland; brother-in-law, Larry Brown; nephew, Michael (Melissa) Koetje of Zeeland; Lindsey (Scott) Sneller of Colorado; Lisa (Chad) Koetje of Holland. Ken was preceded in death by his brother Duane Koetje and by his sister Kathy Brown.

Celebration of Life will be held at Holland Church of Christ at 405 Beeline Rd in Holland, Michigan 49424 on April 13, 2024 at 1:00pm. Family and friends may consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland or Harbor Humane Society in West Olive in memory of Ken.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at LakeshoreMemorial.com