Henry J. Koelewyn

Henry (Hank) Jacob Koelewyn was born on August 19, 1952, in Zaandam, Netherlands, and passed away on March 17, 2026, after receiving home hospice care for 8 months and battling his post-stroke diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease. He immigrated with his family to Michigan in 1958 when he was 5 years old and grew up in Wyoming, Michigan. Hank graduated from Lee High School in 1970 and, inspired by his love for animals, began studying to become a veterinarian, completing 3 years of college (2 years at Grand Rapids Junior College and 1 year at Grand Valley) before choosing a different path, which led to working various jobs until meeting his future wife, Wendy Loye, where they were both employed at The Grand Rapids Press. They married in 1982 at ages 29 and 21, and Hank later revealed that if he hadn’t met Wendy when he did, he was ready to work on a cruise ship so he could pursue his lifelong passion for traveling!

One of Hank’s favorite adventures was a three-month trip to South America with two friends when he was 20. He took many other trips throughout Canada and the United States. He and Wendy honeymooned in Hawaii and later escorted their six children on countless travel adventures. He faithfully provided for his family for many decades until the age of 67. Before marriage Hank collected rocks, stamps and old coins, and during his adult life, he enjoyed classic cars, music, and good food. He spent most of his married life simply hanging out with his wife, children, and a small circle of close friends.

Although as a newlywed, becoming a father wasn’t originally something Hank imagined for himself, he was eventually blessed with having 6 children! This fulfilled Wendy’s dreams of having a large family and became a joy to him, his wife, and many others. He allowed his older children to experience the thrill of owning and operating a small home hobby farm complete with goats, chickens, and rabbits. Together with his children, he built rabbit hutches, a deck, a playhouse, and several raised garden beds, and he welcomed an endless parade of pets, including dogs, cats, gerbils, snakes, turtles, lizards, baby mice, fireflies, spiders, and whatever else the kids managed to catch near their home on the Rogue River. Between owning two above-ground pools at two different houses over a span of 30+ years, Hank opened his heart and home many times so that both family members and friends could enjoy fun and memorable pool parties and social gatherings through the years.

Hank supported home schooling and church involvement for his children despite holding different personal beliefs. He was fair and generous but also, by unanimous family agreement, very stubborn! He was deeply loved, appreciated for his humor, and honored for the life he built for his family—a stable home, a love for travel, and freedom for his kids to explore sports, crafts, trades, music, field trips, sleepovers, and countless adventures throughout their childhood and teenage years. He gave his wife and children everything he could, and his family loved him well in return, especially when times were rough toward the end of his life.

Hank is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy, to whom he was married for 3 days short of 44 years; his treasured children, Stephanie Arnold, Stacie (Bill) Wagner, Jakob Koelewyn, Hannah (Pablo) Segovia, Allie Koelewyn, and Nathan Koelewyn; his cherished grandchildren, Astrid and Alistair Arnold, and Carson, Calvin, Gracelyn, and Haven Wagner. He was preceded in death by his father, Hendrikus Koelewyn, and his mother, Alida Koelewyn, who passed away only 16 days before him.

Upon Henry’s request, there will be a private family memorial only. The family wishes to thank all who have reached out with love and condolences--we are comforted by and appreciate your wonderful support.

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