Arlene Joyce Kornoelje

Arlene Joyce Kornoelje, age 80, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on July 1, 2026. Born in Kalamazoo on June 21, 1946, Arlene lived a life marked by steady devotion to others, expressed through both her calling and her care for family and community.

Arlene graduated from Central High School in Kalamazoo and went on to earn a degree as an LPN in nursing. She later attended Grand Rapids Community College, where she received a full degree in Nursing. Her professional life reflected a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, serving patients through her work with Corwell Health (Spectrum Health) at Blodgett Hospital, first in the Medical Surgical Department and later in the Diabetes unit.

On April 6, 1973, Arlene married James Kornoelje. In the everyday rhythms of home, she also found quiet joy in making things by hand—working on crafts of many kinds, from painting to crochet—and she took special pleasure in giving her creations to her children and grandchildren, offering warmth and thoughtfulness in every gift.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Jim Kornoelje; her children, Tim Kornoelje, Dave Kornoelje, and Deb Koops; her sister, Sherry Winne; her brother, Dan Van Liere; and her grandchildren, Arielle Koops, Chloe Koops, and Tristan Koops.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505.

Please take a moment to leave a memory for the family here on Arlene's memory page.