Ernest "Ernie" Lynn Kooistra

Ernest “Ernie” Lynn Kooistra was born on May 10, 1943 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Evelyn Grace (Ostrom) Kooistra and Ernest Kooistra. He passed away on June 2, 2024 in Arlington, Texas at the age of 81 years old. 

Ernie was a proud patriot and served our country in the United States Navy. He was a history buff especially with military history and he loved to read. He enjoyed big band music and working in the garden. He worked in trucking and distribution. Ernie could fix just about anything and he loved working with his hands. He was a big fan of the TCU Horned Frogs, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Evelyn Kooistra; grandson, Jack Hodge; and sister-in-law, Karen Kooistra. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janine (Padgett) Kooistra of Fort Worth; son, Jamey Hodge and wife, Cathy of Arlington; grandchildren, Katie Bodzinski and husband, Eric; and Caroline Dunnett and husband, David; great-grandchildren, Olivia and George; he is also survived by his brother, Tommy Kooistra and niece, Kristin.

A committal service with navy honors will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.