Ida VanderKooi

Ida VanderMolen November 26, 1920 - June 7, 2009

Ida VanderMolen Get Notifications:

Obituary & Services Tributes Photos & Videos Her smile, generosity and love of family are only some of the traits that Ida VanderMolen will be remembered for. She was an endless source of love for her family and friends, and nothing pleased her more than to sit around a bonfire, talking with her loved ones. Ida cherished them with all her heart, caring for them in times of need and celebrating with them in times of joy.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting baseball records, and the first Miss America was crowned. But for most of the people living in the rural community of Muskegon, Michigan, such happenings were nothing more than headlines in a newspaper. Their lives centered around raising their families and earning a living. This was the life of John and Johanna (Streeting) VanderKooi, and in the winter of 1920, they responsibilities as parents would get even bigger. Already the proud parents of six children, on November 26, 1920, the couple welcomed the birth of their daughter, Ida. In the end, the VanderKooi home would ring with the joy and immense busyness of 13 children.

Idas childhood was typical of the times. The economics of the day were tough, especially raising 13 children, and that meant hand-me-down clothes and few material things, but the VanderKoois were a close family held fast with the things money couldnt buy. Ida did many things with her sisters and brothers, creating a close bond that would last all their lives.

Ida met her future husband, Louis VanderMolen, one day while ice-skating. Louis had accidentally knocked her down and that was all it took to spark a conversation between the two. They soon started dating, fell hopelessly in love and were happily married on June 7, 1941. Shortly before their first anniversary, Ida and Louis welcomed the birth of their first son, Ken. However, this was a bittersweet moment because Louis soon received his draft notice from the U.S. Navy and shipped out to serve his country during World War II. After the war, Louis returned home to his beautiful bride, and they completed their family with the births of three more sons, Ron, Wayne and Louis.

Ida carried on the strong family values instilled in her as a child with her own sons. Time together as a family was much more important than material things, and every Sunday Ida and Louis loaded their boys in the car and headed out for a leisure drive. During the summer, they rented cottages on various lakes throughout Michigan, including Little Platte Lake, and took a memorable family trip to Mammoth Cave. Nothing was more important than family! Ida was a wonderful stay-at-home mom for many years, but once her boys were grown and on their own, she decided to return to the workforce. She began working in the Orchard View Public Schools as a lunch and playground aid, and remained here for 20 years before retiring.

As Ida grew older, she was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all of whom she adored. She poured the same amount of love and attention into these relationships as she did with her own boys. A big kid at heart, Ida loved to play games with her grandkids, especially the card games Uno and Skip Bo, but it didnt matter what they were doing, as long as they were together.

Ida and Louis eventually bought 40 acres of land in Brohman, so that Louis could hunt with his boys, and have some male bonding time. Afterwards, they usually hung out around a bonfire, where Ida would join them and have her family time. Ida had other hobbies that she enjoyed too, like shopping, particularly yard sales, taking day trips and color tours, doing ceramics, tending to her flowers and garden, and canning the bounties thereof. Besides having a green thumb, Ida was also a magnificent cook and enjoyed cooking for her big family. Her famous potato salad and baked beans were a mainstay at just about every family gatherings. Ida was a member of the Berean Church.

What gave Ida the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget.

Ida VanderMolen, age 88, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2009. This was the day of Ida and Louis 68th anniversary and what an anniversary they are having! Ida is survived by her sons: Ronald (Shelia) VanderMolen of Fremont, Wayne (Jean) VanderMolen of Muskegon, Louis (Karen) VanderMolen of TX; 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, on December 7, 1984, son, Ken, in 2001, one great grandchild & all 12 of her siblings.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 11, at noon at the Berean Church with Rev. Craig Apel officiating. Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 10, from 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon, and on Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Berean Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Berean Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with Idas family or sign her online guest book.

Services There are no events scheduled.

• Residence: Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan, United States - 1930
• Residence: Same House - 1935
• Residence: Muskegon, Muskegon City, Muskegon, Michigan, United States - 1940
• Residence: Muskegon - 07 Jun 2009
• Residence: Vandermolen - 07 Jun 2009
  • Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Sep 12 2021, 21:24:31 UTC