Gerrit Koedam, loving husband of Carol (Van Ravenswaay), died while under hospice care on April 8, 2022 in Apache Junction, AZ. He was 86.
Gerrit was born on June 1, 1935 in Hull, IA to his parents, Henry and Gertie (Van Ginkel) Koedam. He attended the Christian School in Inwood, IA. He married Carol on April 17, 1953 in Sioux Center, IA. Employment opportunities led Gerrit and Carol to reside in several places throughout their life together: Larchwood, IA (1953), Grand Rapids, MI (1956), Sioux Center (1958), and Council Bluffs, IA (1978). In 2000 they moved to Mesa, AZ where they spent their retirement years. Gerrit was a member of New Hope Community Church in Gilbert, AZ.
Gerrit enjoyed a long successful career in the transportation industry. His work enabled him to travel to every corner of the United States. This established a love for the open road and a curiosity to explore. During his retirement years he was always a willing tour guide, eagerly taking visitors to interesting places on and off the beaten path.
Gerrit is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol; six children: Alvis (Kathy) Koedam of Verona, WI, Deb Tolander of Ankeny, IA, Brad Koedam of Papillion, NE, Keith (Cass) Koedam of Papillion, NE, Lesa (Herb) Griffith of Mentor, OH, and Julie Moore (David Kane) of Philadelphia, PA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Andrea (David) Vogt, Jill (Nick) Zimpel, Alex Koedam; Abbey (Chad) Maxwell, Adam (Veronica) Tolander, Austin (Anna) Tolander; Jennifer Koedam; Savannah (Derek) Archambault, Jed (Megan) Griffith; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Trudy Koedam, Shirley Van Ravenswaay, Alma (Charles) Warren, Sandra Van Ravenswaay, Rena Van Voorst, and Mary (Ed) Zuschlag; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Kevin, son-in-law, Michael Moore, his parents, and siblings: Alyda, Everett, and William.
Gerrit will be buried in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center in a ceremony at a later date. A private memorial luncheon will take place on Thursday, April 14, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home or Hospice of the Valley.