David Klooster

David J. Klooster left this life on June 2 in the presence of his loving sons Nathaniel (and fiancé Dana Powers) of Iowa City; Benjamin, South Boston; Gabriel, Oberlin, OH; and his wife, Patricia Bloem. Growing up in Grand Rapids, he was the son of Leona and the late Fred Klooster, and dear brother to sisters Kathy (Norm Sneller), Mary (Frank Hillyard), and brothers Rick (Jan), and Dan (Kori Kanayama).

After teaching at DePauw (IN) and John Carroll (OH) Universities, David came to Hope College in 2000 and became the Chair of the English Department. An accomplished teacher and a lover of great books, his passion for learning and travel led him to friendships on four continents. David took pleasure in the company of family and friends, in time spent at Lake Michigan, and in working for God’s peace and justice throughout the world.

Visitation will be Friday June 8, 2012 from 7-9PM at Dykstra Funeral Homes, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday June 9, 2012 at the Dimnent Chapel on the Hope College campus.

David was a passionate supporter of both Critical Thinking Liberia and Reading Liberia, two programs of the We Care Library Foundation of Monrovia. Contributions can be sent to: The David Klooster Memorial, Canadian Overseas Development for Education, 321 Chapel Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7Z2, Canada.

Arrangements by the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes. To share a memory or to sign an online registry, please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.