November 4, 1967 – September 7, 2023

Teresa Joy Kooiman died peacefully, surrounded by family, on the morning of Thursday, September 7, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

A memorial service was held Tuesday, September 12; 10:30 a.m., at First Reformed Church,  Edgerton, with Pastor Tom Voigt officiating and organist Diane Westenberg. Special music was Amazing Grace sung by Merri Post and congregational hymns were One Day At A Time and In The Garden.  Pallbearers were Eric Kooiman, Kyle Landin, Kody Landin, Jake Arndt, Ben Arndt, Max Arndt, Johnny Menning, Andy Menning, Aksel Albers, and Parker Menning.

Interment was in Hillside Cemetery, Edgerton.

Teresa was born on November 4, 1967, to John and Iris (Samuelson) Menning in Pipestone.  Teresa grew up on the family farm north of Edgerton with her parents, younger brothers Jason and Jeremy, and sister Holly. She graduated from Edgerton Public School in 1986, where she excelled at cheerleading and track.  While in high school, Teresa completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and began working at Good Samaritan Village in Pipestone.  In 1987, she began working as a CNA at Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton.  In 1994, she started working at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.  She worked there for 29 years.  Teresa had a passion for helping people and loved caring for the residents.  

Teresa fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Warren Kooiman, and they have been inseparable ever since.  Warren and Teresa were joined in marriage on May 15, 1987, and made their home in Edgerton. One year later, they welcomed a daughter, Kelly Marie Kooiman, born on May 13, 1988.  A few years later, their family was complete when their son, Shane Alan Kooiman, was born on February 15, 1991. 

Teresa enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She also liked camping, fishing, bird watching, gardening, reading, doing puzzles, and working in her flower beds.  Their dog Minnie was very dear to Teresa, especially throughout her battle with cancer.   

Teresa was preceded in death by her father, John A. Menning, Jr., father-in-law, Earl Kooiman; two infant brothers: Timothy and James; two infant grandbabies; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.  

She is survived by her husband, Warren Kooiman; her children, Kelly (Calvin) Klosterman of Rushmore, Shane (Jessica) Kooiman of Chandler; six grandchildren: Jayden Russell, Bently Kooiman, Cooper Kooiman, Sophie Kooiman, Lauren Klosterman, and Brooklyn Klosterman; her mother, Iris (Donald) Talsma; mother-in-law, Myra Kooiman; her siblings: Jason (Shelli) Menning, Jeremy Menning, and Holly (Andrew) Albers; her brothers and sisters-in-law:  Erwin (Sherri) Kooiman, Marcia (Scott) Landin, and Monica (Jeremy) Arndt; and ten nephews and six nieces.