Alan Jay Koole

He was preceded in death by parents Anthony and Geraldine Koole; sister, Linda Snell; nephew, Corey Snell; and grandson, Jacob Zoetewey. Al is survived by his wife, Marilyn Koole; mother of his children, Evelyn Koole; daughters Kristen (Jim) Zoetewey, Sharon Byington, and Susan (Jon) Huls; eight grandchildren; brother, Tom (Martha) Koole; niece, Tammy (Dave) McCarthy; and nephews Rob (Dorothy) Olsen and Mark (Dawn) Snell.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he attended Lansing Community College and was recognized in 1993 with its Outstanding Alumnus Award. He retired from Steelcase, Inc., in 2007, after 34 years with the company’s distinguished highway truck fleet. He avoided any unscheduled time away from work until he donated a kidney to his sister in 1990. His reputation for arriving early to deliveries earned him the nickname "Early Bird" and his achievement of driving over 4.5 million accident-free miles garnered several safety awards and acknowledgments, including American Trucking Association Driver of the Year, Michigan Trucking Association Driver of the Year, and National Private Truck Council Hall of Fame inductee. He was also recognized with Michigan Senate Resolution 583, a State of Michigan Special Tribute, and a Certificate of Commendation from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Division. He spent hours every week listening to his favorite radio programs, including “Pipedreams with Michael Barone” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” His lifelong love for trains most recently led him to volunteer at the Vernon J. Ehlers Amtrak Station in Grand Rapids to greet and assist Amtrak passengers. He also participated in the Michigan Rail Passenger Association, advocating for increased and improved rail service in the state of Michigan. In 2018, he was one of a lucky few to pilot the Pere Marquette 1225 steam engine.

He had a kind and generous spirit, and without question would go out of his way to help others. His knack for conversation, easy smile, and laugh will be missed.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, The Salvation Army, or Minnesota Public Radio’s “Pipedreams.”

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.