Donald Marinus Cool

Donald M.Cool , Kalamazoo - Age 96 Don passed away at home on June 7, 2013, surrounded by his family. Don was born at home in Sheyenne, North Dakota on March 23, 1917 to William and Rika Cool. Don's family soon moved to Bismarck, ND and thereafter to Arnhem, Netherlands to care for Don's ailing grandfather. When the Cool family returned to the US they settled in Vicksburg where they ran a family farm. Later they established the Cool Farm Dairy in Kalamazoo where Don worked with his brothers until they sold it in 1972. Don and his brothers worked at the Cool farm on Douglas Avenue and E Avenue in Cooper Township until he retired. Don married Helena R. Hoppe in February 1940 and Helena preceded him in death in 1997. Don is survived by his 4 children and their spouses: William(Nick) & Linda Cool of Kalamazoo, Kathleen Cool of Plainwell, Nancy & Gary Lewis of Monkton, MD and Dana & Robert O'Hare of Kalamazoo and Hurricane, WV. Don is also survived by 4 grandchildren and their spouses Ben (Aileen) Cool, Sara (Mike) Holm, Brian Cox, and Helena O'Hare, one great-granddaughter Clair Cool and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his two brothers William H. Cool and Keith F. Cool. Don and his wife Helena enjoyed spending time at their cabin on a lake in the Upper Peninsula near Crystal Falls. Don visited the cabin for the final time at age 90. Don and Helena were founding members of the Kalamazoo County Conservation Club, and Don kept in touch with the other founders until their passing. Don was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and was an avid reader. Even during his last months at home Don read several books a week. In his younger days he hunted birds and deer, and trapped small animals. He instilled in all his children a love of the outdoors, fishing and reading. Cremation has taken place handled by the Avink Funeral Home in Schoolcraft. A celebration of Don's life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Lupus Foundation or the Humane Society.