Lorraine Eunice Koenes

Lorraine Eunice Koenes, age 85, went home to glory to be with her loving, faithful Savior on Sunday, February 20, 2022. Lorraine was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Lorraine had a true servant’s heart, persevering with peace and joy through life’s trials and always looking for ways to serve others. She spent 24 years as a homemaker before returning to school for a nursing degree and for her bachelor’s degree in religious education at Reformed Bible College. She was involved in many mission trips, including trips to Mexico and Ukraine. . She spent many years as a Director of Evangelism and Discipleship at a number of churches in the Grand Rapids area before being called by the Lord to the mission field in Kiev, Ukraine. She spent 13 years serving there leading people to Christ and discipling them, as well as developing leaders who would carry on the work of the Lord when she left.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Burney and Marie (Berkhout) Veenstra; and brother, Ben Veenstra. Lorraine will be lovingly remembered by her children, Debbie Beckwith, Bob and Maria Koenes, Mary Haak, Judy and Mike Nicholson; grandchildren, Christine, Cheryl, Joy, Mike, Brad, Randy, Melissa, David, Daniel, Priscilla, Hannah, Michael, Sarah, Cassie, James, Joshua, Amber, and Jacob; 20 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters, Larry and Diane Veenstra, Ron and Elaine Veenstra, Bernice Vodry, Joe and Marcia Veenstra, Letha Rosema, Jan Veenstra, David and Dani Veenstra; many nieces, nephews, and friends including her Ukrainian family in Kiev and the Village of Oozene.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11 am at New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI with Rev. Lew Vander Meer officiating. The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed at www.nccwm.org. Choose the Watch Live button. Family and friends may meet the family from 10-11 am prior to the service at the church. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wycliff Bible Translators. Online condolences may be left at www.mkdfuneralhome.com