Jane Kooyman

Jane Ann Kooyman passed from this world on June 17, 2015, with her daughters by her side. Jane Ann was born in Des Moines on October 28, 1941 to Archie and Gwendolyn (Dulin) Brooks. A lifelong resident of Des Moines, she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959, where she developed a lifelong love for the theater and acted in numerous high school productions. She shared her love of theater with her daughters and granddaughter, who have countless happy memories.

On June 5, 1959, Jane Ann and Frank Kooyman were joined in marriage. In 1973, they became the proud owners and operators of Des Moines’ legendary Millie’s Drive In Restaurant, fondly known for the “Biggest Tenderloin in Town”. There, Jane became affectionately known as “Mrs. Millie”. She loved to cook and create daily specials for the menu, concoct new recipes, greet patrons, and decorate the restaurant in a 50’s retro-style theme that brought so many patrons fond memories of special times.

Jane loved to dress up and go ballroom dancing at the Val Air Ballroom with her husband of 45 years, Frank. She had a unique, lifelong flair for fashion and she never left the house, (not even for a gallon of milk), without her entire outfit perfectly coordinated from top to bottom.

Jane was a lover of life. She adored nature, art and animals, especially her beloved Buddy, (Shih Tzu) and Stella (Yorkie) who spent her final years lovingly by her side.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” Anne Kooyman of Los Angeles, CA, Kathryn Lynn Kooyman of Des Moines and Gwendolyn Suzanne (James) Shoemaker of Diamond Head Lake, Dexter, IA; and her beloved granddaughter, Suzanne Elizabeth Shoemaker. Jane is also survived by three siblings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents; and one sibling. Jane was loved and cherished by her family, and she will be missed every day.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24th at the funeral home, followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated to a charity.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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