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Jeff Donald Koetje

July 16, 1965 - October 01, 2025

Obituary For Jeff Donald Koetje

Jeffrey “Jeff” Donald Koetje, age 60 of McBain, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Jeff was born on July 16, 1965 in Grand Rapids and was adopted by Donald Koetje and Eleanor Bode. Jeff married Rebecca Sue VanDrie at the family home on July 18, 1998.

Jeff drove semi-truck for over 30 years. He loved the mountains and nature and enjoyed them on his motorcycle and annual hunting trips out west. He even made eggs, bacon and potatoes in his “backyard” blind opening day. He lived life to the fullest, he loved hard, complained with a grin and opened his heart selflessly to those around him, a life well lived but taken to soon.

Jeff loved Becki, his grandchildren, and his mom dearly. He was a go to guy of guys, was protective, always building or fixing, a great cook but a better griller, enjoyed shooting his pistols, rifles and shotguns, and had lots of lifelong friends here and afar. Jeff had a beautiful voice and played the guitar in a band and at church and on special occasions.

Jeff is survived by his wife Rebecca Sue, mother Eleanor Karsten, birth mother Betty Simmons-Billings, children; Jordan (Lisa) Hoekwater, Ryan (Taylor) Hoekwater, Dora Herweyer, Ryan, Christopher and Jeremiah Koetje, grandchildren the light of his life; Franklin and Maeve Hoekwater, siblings; Sheryl (Jeffery) Whitehouse, Lincoln (Joy) VanDrie, Heidi (Joey) Roberts, Jodi VanDrie, Linda (Butch) Westdorp, Jon Larr, Larry (Marcie) Larr, Kraig (Kim) Karsten, Kim (Matt) Curtis, Randy (Elizabeth) Karsten, father and mother in-law Les (Carol) VanDrie, and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff is preceded in death by his dad Donald Koetje, in-laws Dave and Vicki Larr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 6 at the Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas with Pastor Kathy Vana officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-6PM at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will be provided at the church after the service; burial will take place in the Richland Township cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorial donations be made to the Veterans serving Veterans Park of Cadillac. The family is being served by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain, thoughts and prayers can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com

Services

6 Oct

Funeral Service

02:00 PM

Rehoboth Reformed Church of Lucas 8372 S. Lucas Rd McBain, MI 49657 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

October 08, 2025

Dave Stralow

Thoughts and prayers to Jeff's family. Lots of good memories growing up in Lucas, snowmobile rides, basketball, nerf tag at the shop. I always sat by Jeff in the school and church choir, learned so much by listening to him. He will surely be missed!
October 07, 2025

Chris Schumacher

My condolences to the family. I always enjoyed shooting with Jeff at the club.
October 07, 2025

Karie Hankins

Our thoughts and prayers go with the family during this time of need. Jeff was an amazing person. Our sympathies, Jason and Karie Hankins
October 07, 2025

Diann nowland

Jeff was always a hoot when he used to come into subway when I worked there.What a nice guy. I am sorry for your loss.
October 06, 2025

Chan Wiinikainen

So many wonderful memories come flooding back. He was my brother Chris's best friend, so I grew up around him—always looking up to him. I still remember watching him play drum set at school and thinking, "I want to do that!" Eventually, I did—playing drums in the "One Night Stand" band while he sang. We shared motorcycle rides, long talks, and plenty of "commiserating" about life. Even though I'm down here in North Carolina, I always knew I could call him if I needed anything, and he'd be there without hesitation. The light in my world has grown dimmer with the losses this past year, and this one hits just as hard.
October 06, 2025

Joann and Dale Bogard

As Jeff's babysitter there are so many memories that come to mind of Jeff when he was very young. His parents gave me the opportunity to learn how to care for an infant...diaper changing, messy feedings, how to clean up, to entertain, and to enjoy the world through the eyes of a curious child. As he grew, he helped me with the dishes, bake cookies, and we had all sorts of fun! It was at our family reunion in August, that he showed how little things still gave him joy...people enjoying the beautiful space he and Becky have created, the ice cream machine that didn't run out, the family and friends enjoying time in the pool, and sitting in the gazebo around the fire just catching up. Those recent memories I will hold dear! Becky, Aunt Eleanor, and all those who love Jeff, let us not grieve as those who have no hope. With great sympathy, Joann and Dale Bogard
October 05, 2025

Brad Veneberg

Jeff was the best pole truck drivers that I ever worked with and probably ever will work with. He did what he said he would do and if he couldn't, he'd let you know. He had integrity. I smiled at the line "he complained with a grin" because I can see him doing it. Last year, he called me while he was on a motorbike ride in the UP, and we hung out outside his motel room and chewed the fat for a few hours - I'm so glad he did. He will be missed by this fellow Dutchman and former pole buyer. My prayers are with his family.
October 04, 2025

Ingrid Herweyer

My deepest sympathy is extended to Jeff's family. He was a good guy who always tried doing what's right. He will be missed but will be remembered through many memories. Thinking of the entire Koetje family and praying for peace and comfort in the days to come. Ingrid Herweyer and family
October 04, 2025

Tonia Raymond

I am so sorry to the family for your loss. I was Jeff's age and our families went to Rehoboth Reformed Church. All good memories, may he rest in Gods arms. Tonia Raymond