Wayne Kooienga's Obituary
Mr. Wayne Kooienga, age 91, passed away peacefully in Grand Haven, Michigan on Saturday, May 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as big as the family he came from. He was born in Georgetown Township, Michigan on July 19, 1934, one of 21 children born to Gerrit and Johanna (Kooiker) Kooienga. Wayne proudly served in the Army National Guard before embarking on a successful career as an entrepreneur and skilled craftsman. Over the years, he founded, owned, and operated Pioneer, a home-improvement business, as well as All Seasons Home Crafters. Later in life, he became the proud owner of Affordable Home Furnishings and Hidden Valley Stables in Twin Lake, where he hosted many memorable private auctions. As one of 21 children, Wayne grew up knowing how to stand out, and he did so with a personality that could light up a room. He truly loved life, but nothing compared to the love he had for his family. Whether it was sharing a story or just being present, he was their biggest fan and they were his greatest source of joy. He also looked forward to Thursdays when he was able to spend quality time with his brothers. In his younger years, Wayne enjoyed riding motorcycles, bass fishing, and camping. He also cherished his morning coffee at Whitlows, often shared with family and friends. Wayne is survived by his two daughters, Debbie (Paul) Lisinski and Kim (Skeeter Sweet) Kooienga; four grandchildren, Stacy (Tim) Hartzell, Ashley Hart, Jon (Julia Hollemans) Hart, Kaelynn (Garrett) Martin; seven great-grandchildren, Chloe and Jaxon Lisinski, Ayden and Ashton Hartzell, Colsen Hart, Bryant and Auden Hollemans; his step-children and step-grandchildren; five sisters, Lorraine Folkert, Twilla DeWitt, Elma Mussen, Joan Sattler, and Lois (Stan) Dykstra; three brothers, John, Hup, and Lloyd Kooienga; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Steven Lisinski; and 12 siblings. A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE will be held from 2-5 PM Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Whitlows Royal Room, 4610 Airline Road, Muskegon, Michigan 49444. MEMORIALS in memory of Wayne may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. You may sign his online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com If you knew Wayne, you knew his quick wit and incredible sense of humor. He always had a joke or a clever remark ready to make you smile, reminding us all not to take life too seriously. While we will miss his laughter and steady presence, we find peace knowing he lived a life full of love and light.
What’s your fondest memory of Wayne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wayne?
Share a story where Wayne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wayne you’ll never forget.
How did Wayne make you smile?
