Pella —
Allen John Kool was the first of three children born to Andrew John and Laurine L. (Kolenbrander) Kool. He was born on May 29, 1933, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Allen encountered and endured many health issues and on Saturday afternoon, August 4, 2012, he passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa at the age of 79 years.
Allen was just six years old when his mother passed away due to a heart attack leaving he and his brother Junior, who was two years old, to be raised by their father. Allen loved education but had to quit school after completing the 9th grade. Learning was inherent in his personality and he became affluent in the Dutch language, having made a cassette tape for his oldest grandson, Jason Kool, who was studying the Dutch heritage in grade school. One of Allen’s dreams was to have his sons graduate from college. They fulfilled this dream along with his four grandsons. Several grandchildren are attending or planning on attending college in the future.
While at the roller skating rink in Pella, Iowa, Allen met Darlene Diane Van Der Pol. During their courtship, he would always stop to dust off his black Chevrolet car before picking her up. Allen and Darlene were united in marriage on September 15,1954 at the First Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa. With Christ at the center of their family, together they raised three sons: Randy Allen, Ronald Lee and Russell Dean on the family farm. Allen had worked for Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel in Des Moines, Iowa for a short while, then began farming. Allen received the first Mahaska County Iowa Agricultural Conservation Award working side by side with his wife Darlene for over 53 years on the family century farm, retiring in 2007.
Allen served both God and country. He was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Pella in April, 1962. The church was a big part of his life where he served on every church board with the exception of the Christian Education Board. He also served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army from June 1952 until June 1954.
Allen enjoyed spending time with his wife, Darlene, and following their retirement, they moved into Pella and enjoyed traveling and gospel music together. A favorite place of theirs was Branson, Missouri where they enjoyed many vacations over the years.
Allen was proud of his three sons and their wives, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild:
Randy and Cindy Kool of Adel, Iowa
Jason and Heidi Kool, Jeff Kool, Jenna Kool
Ronald and Sherryl Kool of Davenport, Iowa
Michael Kool, Bryan and Maggie Gripp, Lois Blackman
Savanah Edwards, Tyson Brantner
Russell and Cheryl Kool of Plano, Texas
Alyssa Kool, Alexis Kool
Allen leaves behind his wife, Darlene, his children and grandchildren, as well as his brother, Junior Kool and his wife, Beverly, of Eureka, Illinois. In addition, he leaves the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Janice (Van Der Pol) and Eugene Kaisand of Pella, Howard and Betty Van Der Pol of Monroe, Iowa, Mary (Van Der Pol) and Richard Terpstra of Pipestone, Minnesota, David and Phyllis Van Der Pol of Sully, Iowa and their families. He was preceded in death by his mother, Laurine L. Kool in 1939; his father, Andrew J. Kool in 1976; a sister, Kathleen Jane Kool (who died in infancy in 1936); and his parents-in-law, Alexander and Sarah (Willemsen) Van Der Pol.
Allen had many friends and never met a stranger. He was a kind, compassionate, hard-working man who had a soft heart for all. He will be sorely missed, but his love for the Lord, generosity to others, and sense of humor will live on through his family and friends as they remember him.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Pella. Arrangements were handled by Van Dyk – Duven Funeral Home.
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
