Elaine Kats

Rock Valley, IA: Elaine Kats, 75, of Rock Valley, died Monday, February 22, 2016 at Hegg Memorial Health Center at Rock Valley. Funeral service will be Friday, February 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Bobby Van Otterloo officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery. Visitation, with the family present, will be Thursday, February 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Trinity CRC. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Elaine Beth Smit was born to Sam and Anne (Van Bruggen) Smit on January 4, 1941 near Sheldon, Iowa. She graduated from Sheldon Christian Grade School in 1954 and Western Christian High School in 1958. After graduation she moved to Denver, Colorado and was employed at Bethesda Hospital as a nurse’s aide.

She married Lester Kooiman on June 26, 1959. They made their home in Denver, and to this union four sons were born. Lester died suddenly on April 9, 1967 in Denver.

Elaine continued to raise her family and work in Denver for the next eight years. In 1975 she met Edwin Kats of Rock Valley, Iowa. They were married on January 30, 1976, and Ed’s seven children also became her very own. Together they made their home near Rock Valley, and to this union one daughter was born.

Elaine was dedicated to making a home for her large family for many years. Later she was employed at E&W Poultry Farm, and also at Van’s Deli in Rock Valley. She also volunteered many hours working at Justice For All.

Elaine enjoyed her daily three mile walks, as well as working in the garden and mowing the lawn. Visiting with her family, friends and neighbors was always the highlight of her day. Most of all, Elaine loved her Lord Jesus Christ, and her greatest joy was seeing her children and grandchildren walking with Him as well. In her final days on earth she again expressed her desire that all her children and grandchildren would dedicate their lives to living for Jesus.

Elaine had a long journey with cancer, courageously battling with the disease and the effects of treatment, and never complaining, even in the final moments of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Edwin; her 12 children – Ellen (Rod) Flikkema of Portland, OR; Loren (Lora) Kooiman of Doon; Darryl (Martha) Kooiman of Lynden, WA; Don (Julie) Kats of Rock Valley, Roberta (Gaylan) Attema of Holland, MI; Ken (Tonya) Kooiman of Sheldon; Daryl (Ila) Kats of Rock Valley; Arlan (Laurie) Kooiman of Hospers; Connie (Jeff) Ten Napel of Sibley; Sheila (Brett) Kreykes of Rock Valley; Jerry (Sandy) Kats of Escondido, CA; Kaye (John) Sjaarda of Valley Springs, SD; 46 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brother, Paul (Marijo) Smit of Alton; sisters – Aletha (Ivan) Blom of Grand Lake, CO and Sandra (Verlyn) Baker of Dayton, OR; sister-in-law Carol Schmitt of Edgerton, MN; several brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Lester Kooiman; parents, Sam and Anne Smit; brothers James Smit, Arvin Smit, and Kenneth Smit.

Visitation

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ,Thursday, February 25, 2016
Trinity Christian Reformed Church
2020 8th Street Southeast Rock Valley, Iowa, Sioux 51247

Funeral Service

10:30 a.m. ,Friday, February 26, 2016
Trinity Christian Reformed Church
2020 8th Street Southeast Rock Valley, Iowa, Sioux 51247