Cornelius "Neil" Kooistra Jr

Cornelius “Neil” Kooistra Jr, age 90, of Dutch Mountain and Midland Park, NJ, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at his home with his family at his side.   He was born in Glen Rock, NJ in January 1927, one of nine children born to Cornelius Sr. and Julia Van London Kooistra, of all the siblings he is survived by only two- his oldest sibling Katherine and his youngest sibling Ronald.   Neil loved his life on Dutch Mountain. He particularly liked to go to Dushore for breakfast “at the trolley.” Neil also frequented the Mad Bakers and Pam’s Restaurant where he had many friends. He was good at remembering stories that appeared in the Sullivan Review and loved to share them with friends and family. Neil was happy riding along in the dump truck with his son Tim and he loved “supervising” work on the farm. Neil was an avid hunter and belonged to the Grand View Rod and Gun Club in New York State.   Neil enlisted in the US Navy January 16, 1945, and was honorably discharged on August 5, 1946, following the end of WWII. He was a Fireman First Class. He then enlisted in the US Army beginning July 30, 1948. He advanced to the rank of corporal. Neil was honorably discharged June 11, 1952, following an extension of service.             He married the former Janet M. Kooistra on November 5, 1960.  They enjoyed 53 years of marriage until her passing on December 6, 2013.     He belonged to various American Legions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.   Surviving, in addition to his siblings, are:   Sons and daughter-in-law: Kenneth Kooistra                                     Mahwah,   NJ David (Kim) Kooistra                              Highland Lakes, NJ Timothy Kooistra                                     Forkston, PA Donald Kooistra                                       Forkston, PA Michael (Jessica Schwarz-Furst) Kooistra     Midland Park, NJ   3 grandchildren: Breann, April, and Sara Kooistra Step-grandchildren: McKenna and Rayden Great-grand-daughter: Aleyla             He was predeceased by a daughter Karen Kooistra.   Services were held at Vander Plaat’s Funeral Home, in Wyckoff, NJ, on Thursday, April 28, 2018.  Interment was in George Washington Memorial Cemetery in Paramus, NJ on Friday.   Cards of sympathy may be addressed to 603 Mud Road, Forkston Township, PA 18614.             To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.           To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cornelius "Neil" Kooistra Jr, please visit our flower store.