Randy Eugene Koops

Randy Eugene Koops, 69, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024 at his home in Downs, Kansas. He was born May 18, 1955 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of Gerald and Henrietta (Heersink) Koops. He graduated from Downs High School in 1973 and Dordt College in 1977, with a Bachelors degree in Business.

Randy married Thelma Bousema on May 24, 1980, and to their union six children were born, Berend, Claire, Steffen, Adrienne, Alexis, and Drake.

In the early 80’s he began his career with Culligan Water Conditioning in Downs, KS by delivering salt in the summers. Randy took ownership of Culligan in 1984. He continued to build the business throughout his career and found great delight in his interactions with his customers. Randy could tell you where every softener was in any house with great detail and by memory.

Randy’s joy for life was evident in all of his many community and family activities. He loved to sing and performed with the Oak Creek Boys Quartet, various community choirs, and solos. He was also heavily involved in the community through Rotary, the Solomon Valley Pageant, the City Planning Committee, and the Downs Chamber. But his greatest pleasure came from attending all the activities of his children and grandchildren. Concerts, football and basketball games, cross country meets, forensics, school trips, coaching baseball, and musicals: he was always there cheering on and supporting his family. Annual family vacations were another highlight, visiting a number of national parks and monuments across the United States. There was always time to stop and read a historic landmark.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Henrietta Koops, and brother, Terry Koops. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Thelma Koops, of Downs. Six children Berend (Samantha) Koops, Claire (Andrew) Clifford, Steffen (Brenna) Koops, Adrienne (Levi) Allison, Alexis Koops, and Drake Koops. Randy was “Papa” to seven grandchildren- Talon, Raylan, Henri, Nora, Lou Ann, Harrison, and Beverly. His sister, Stephanie (Dave) Draayer of Downs, nephew, Renzo and niece, Alida, also survive.

In the wake of Randy's departure, we deeply feel the void. Yet, amidst the sadness, we find peace in the enduring legacy of a husband, father and “papa” who lives on through the love, care, vigor, joy, and unwavering dedication he poured into every facet of his life. Let us cherish the memories and love of Randy.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Interment will follow at Dispatch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dispatch CRC Parsonage Deck fund in care of Schoen Funeral Home & Monuments, 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437.