JOHANNES KOORNSTRA

LEBANON: Johannes “John” Koornstra, 87, of S. Lebanon Rd., passed away at his home on December 28, 2022 surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on February 6, 1935, in Nijemirdum, Netherlands, one of eight children of the late Hidde and Fokje Ploegstra Koornstra. He received his education in the Netherlands and served in the armed forces there. He emigrated to the United States in 1961, living in Orange County, NY. On August 6, 1966, John married Mary Louise Decker in Montgomery, NY. They moved to Lebanon in 1972 to start a dairy farm, Happy Acres Farm. John had a passion for life, his family and friends. He was concerned about his fellow man and was always there to help others whenever a need arose. He lived by his feeling that if you can’t help others, life isn’t worth living. His favorite hobbies were fishing and bowling.

John was an active member of the Lebanon Federated Church where he sang in the choir. He also served on the Lebanon Valley Cemetery Board; was a member of the Farm Bureau and the South New Berlin Milk Co-op.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Lou; his children, Larry Koornstra, Ann (Calvin) Chase, William Koornstra and Frieda Koornstra; sisters, A. deboer and G. Deinum; many nieces and nephews.

Spring interment will be in the Lebanon Valley Cemetery.

Friends are invited to join the family for a gathering for coffee at the Lebanon Federated Church, 1494 Billings Hill Rd., Earlville on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 11am to 1pm, followed by a hymn sing. Contributions in his memory may be made to the church.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to their neighbors, friends and caregivers who have given them guidance and told jokes, stories and have been lovingly honest and helped care for John and their family, picking him up in so many ways. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville. To send a condolence online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com