Howard Rolland Koenders, born June, 25, 1921, passed away on February 7, 2012 and will soon rest on hallowed ground of this country where he served with honor aboard the USS Belleau wood from 1941-1943. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy. Surviving are son; Phillip Koenders (Dwaine Hose) life partner of 34 years, daughters; Rev. Joyce (Ken) Gackler, Debbie (Phil) DeWildt, granddaughters; Teri (Rick) Girgenti, Tami (Tim) Blake, Trina (Jason) Perry, great-grandchildren Travis Boyd, Eric Girgenti, Jonathan Blake, Katie Perry, Hanna Perry, and special friends; Suzanne Altena and Elizabeth Timmer. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament, 2275 Diamond Ave. NE, with Rev. George Darling officiating. Graveside inurnment in Blythefield Memory Gardens will be held at 11 am on Monday February 20, 2012. For those who wish, please consider a memorial contribution to The Basilica of St. Adalbert or Blessed Sacrament.
