Della Jean Kohler

Della Jean Kohler, age 85, of Holland, died on Sunday, September 18, 2022, after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. She was born Della Jean Cnossen to Otto and Jennie (Dykstra) Cnossen in Holland, Michigan on May 2, 1937. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1955 and studied liberal arts at Hope College. Della enjoyed a long career in the business world; first in Holland where she served as assistant to the president of Lithibar Company, and then in Grand Rapids where she worked many years as a legal secretary for the Varnum Riddering firm and the Clary Nantz and Wood firm. She was executive assistant to the CEO of Knape and Vogt for five years before retiring in the mid 1990s. She married the love of her life, Paul Bryan Kohler in 1974. Della and Paul resided most of their married life in Grand Rapids and for a time in Elkhart, Indiana where Paul was employed by Coachman. His final position with Rapistan took them back to Grand Rapids where they enjoyed several years of retirement together until Paul 's death in 2003. Paul's sons, David Kohler and Jonathan Kohler both survive. Della and Paul had many close friends in Grand Rapids and greatly enjoyed golfing and playing bridge and gin rummy with friends, and they were both avid readers. They enjoyed a very close marriage for 28 years and enjoyed traveling to Florida in winter and around Northern Michigan, usually to play golf, in summer. After Paul's death in 2003, Della returned to her hometown of Holland. She resided at American House from 2010 until the time of her death. Della was one of eight children, six of whom (Stanley Cnossen, Lester Cnossen, Katherine Holleman, William Cnossen, Theressa Geerlings and twin brother Dale Cnossen), along with their parents, preceded her in death. She is survived by one sister, Corrine Vredeveld of Zeeland; a very dear nephew, William Cnossen of Holland; and nine other nieces and nephews - many of whom reside in West Michigan; as well as many grand nieces and nephews, and her dear friend Victoria Klaver of Jenison. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service has been held. Arrangements were by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.

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Della Jean Kohler

May 2, 1937 - September 18, 2022