Otto Koomans

Otto Koomans went home to be with the Lord on April 15 at Bronson Hospital with pancreatic cancer. Otto was born in Chicago, IL in 1936 to John and Johanna Koomans, who preceded him in death. Following WWII, at the age of 10, Otto accompanied his mother, an employee of the American Dutch Red Cross in Chicago, to the Netherlands to distribute a ship load of food and needed items that she had gathered to help survivors of WWII. Otto attended Roseland Christian Grade School for nine years. Due to his mother’s death, he moved to Gobles, MI where he lived with Clemens and Elizabeth Plug and graduated from Gobles High School with his foster brother, Andy Bink. Otto served two years in the US Army. He purchased his Cessna 175 plane in 1966. Otto loved flying and making airplane models. He and Otto Jr. took annual flights throughout the USA and Canada. He flew family and friends for many years. Otto was a kind and caring gentleman who always comforted us with “don’t worry, be happy”. His favorite pastime was watching the History channel and reading to learn all he could about history. Every year he and Anne spent several days in Branson, MO to see many shows. Otto also loved to take rides on his motorscooter. He not only enjoyed taking his loved ones for rides, but also going solo, stopping to take in the scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and be one with the Lord. Otto’s son, Otto Jr., was born during his brief marriage to Zela Koomans. He married Rose Hickman in 1975. They raised Otto Jr. and Rose’s daughter, Susan. Rose died in 2008. In 2013, Otto married Annabelle Davey who survives. Also surviving are Otto Jr, Susan Hickman; grandchildren: Sarah Vegsund and Matthew Wells; foster brother: Andy Bink; several step-children, grandchildren, and special friend: Donny Thatcher. Otto worked at Kalamazoo Paper mill for 41 years before retiring in 2001. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Portage, MI where a memorial service will be held on May 3rd, 2019 at 11:30am (1133 E. Centre Ave). Cremation by Avink Funeral Home. Burial will follow the memorial service at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.