Margene Kooima

Rock Valley, IA: Margene Kooima, 84, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Hegg Health Center of Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Monday, January 12, at 10:00 AM, at Faith Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Pastor Chris Van Beek officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.faithrv.com/. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. A private family visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

   Margene Kooima, daughter of Adolph and Martha (Van Velzen) Eshuis, was born November 22, 1941, in Sioux Center, Iowa. She grew up in Sioux Center and graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa in 1959. On August 10, 1961, Marge was united in marriage to James Kooima at her mother’s home. After marriage, Marge and Jim made their home in Rock Valley, Iowa and then they spent a short stint in Hull, Iowa where they welcomed their 5 children and eventually made their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

   Marge started her medical career as a nurse’s aide at Sioux Center Hospital. She then spent 25 years as the ward secretary at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls where she was known as “Marge in Charge.” After retirement, Marge and Jim spent 14 years travelling and living in their camper before moving back to Rock Valley.

   Marge’s love for her family was unlimited. She loved spending time with all her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She loved her flowers, playing games, puzzles, and watching the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. Marge made beautiful afghan blankets for her family that will be treasured for years to come.

   She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim; 5 children, Deb (late Evan “Chic”) Van Ginkel of Rock Valley, Laura (Walt) De Vos of Savannah, Missouri, Brenda (Brad) De Bruin of Rock Valley, Karla (Chris) Krogmann of Sioux Falls, and Jim (Kristi) Kooima of Sioux Falls; 17 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; and siblings-in-law, Dorothy Eshuis, Jim Driesen, Mary Koldenhoven, Bob Kooima, Faye (Clarence) Vande Stouwe, Gawin (Wanda) Kooima, Brian Kooima, and Irene Ter Wee.

   Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Martha Eshuis; parents-in-law, Gerrit (Bertha) (Nancy) Kooima; all 8 of her siblings, Alice (Bert) Vis, Jesse (Ben) Voetburg, Freida (Marian) De Haas, Adolph Eshuis, Anna Mae (Byron) Bruinsma, Henrietta Driesen, Geraldine (Ron) Koldenhoven, and Cornie (Shirley) (Gaylene) Eshuis; sisters-in-law, Kitty Kooima, Minerva (Henry) Ter Wee, and Kristi Kooima; son-in-law, Evan “Chic” Van Ginkel; and grandson-in-law, Christian Whitaker.