Leola J. Oonk

Leola Jeane (Van Koevering) Oonk, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, in Zeeland, Michigan. Born on March 19, 1931, in Zeeland, Leola was a woman of great faith and quiet resilience who moved through life with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. A graduate of Zeeland High School and the Grand Rapids Junior College School of Nursing, she devoted many years to caring for patients at Zeeland Hospital bringing to her work the same tenderness she brought to everything she loved. She helped bring hundreds of babies into the world as the lead RN of the OB Department, and those who worked alongside her knew they were witnessing something more than skilled nursing; they were seeing a vocation lived out with joy. After retirement, she provided home care nursing for infants and also volunteered as a flight nurse for Wings of Mercy. Leola was unapologetically devoted to the people in her life. She was the kind of woman who would not hear a bad word spoken about anyone she loved — and she loved widely and without reservation. To know Leola was to feel known. She was a loyal and trusted friend, a gifted and tireless volunteer, and a steadfast presence for anyone who needed one. She was deeply intelligent, an avid reader who engaged thoughtfully with ideas and people alike; always curious, always generous with her attention. Her faith was not ornamental; it was the foundation of everything. A member of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, she lived her beliefs through daily acts of grace, protection, and welcome. She is survived by her son Tom (Deb) Oonk of Zeeland; grandchildren Holly (Rob) Corrigan, Logan (Lindsey) Oonk, Spencer Oonk, Matthew Oonk, and Isaac Oonk; great-grandchildren Harper Corrigan and Colin and Marin Oonk. Brother David Van Koevering of Eaton Rapids; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her husband Jack, to whom she was married for 56 years, preceded her in death in 2007, followed by her beloved son Timothy Oonk, in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy Van Koevering, and her brothers George and Barry. A celebration of life service will be Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 2:30pm, 2nd Reformed Church, 225 E Central Avenue, Zeeland. Visitation will be 1-2:15pm prior to the service. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wings of Mercy. www.yntemafh.com

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Leola J. Oonk

March 19, 1931 - April 8, 2026