Memories of Eugene Koning

In memory of

Eugene Koning

Des Moines, IA, USA

July 22, 1925 - September 20, 2019

Jul 22, 1925 - Sep 20, 2019

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Jeff Long

2021, Holland, MI, USA

I first saw Eugene in a Menards Parking lot attempting to put some wood in his car while the wind challenged him. While helping him I asked about a fixture in his trunk and he briefly told me about glasses he makes for the poor... I was intrigued! We made plans to have coffee. After hearing about how he had devoted so much of his life to helping others I was inspired and offered to help with an upcoming Partners Worldwide conference in Grand Rapids Michigan. Eugene was so excited to share his great idea and I was going to help!

His idea was simple but brilliant, he wanted to teach the poor in India how to make reading glasses for children from scrap material and using simple tools. I will never forget what a man said to him at the conference... I am hear only because of you, you showed us how to make these glasses when I was just a boy and I learned how to read, now I am hear. This mans life had been drastically changed because of one of Eugene's previous projects!

Eugene's health was in decline and his next step was in jeopardy. He wanted so badly to travel to India for two conferences where he could share his idea. After some prayer and an ok from my wife I agreed to go in his place. I met so many that knew Eugene and had been touched by his generosity and kind heart, its really what helped me throughout the trip.

I will always have a place in my heart for Eugene. He was a remarkable man.

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Mary Vanderveen

Uncle Eugene was always kind! As a child, I loved when they would come home on to visit. Yes of course, there was always the discussion of glasses and their life in Africa. He was a good man. A great father. A good friend. In later years after my parents went to be with the Lord, the days of visiting came to a close. But only for a little while- and we will see him again. I can still hear him calling to Tante Gerdie. “Mother”!as he affectionately called her!
Until we meet again uncle... well done!!!!
We will miss you!!

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Dale Padding

Dad with Mark’s and Teresa’s kids

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LARRY BAAR

My mom did not want me to get wire rim glasses in the early 70's. That was for hippies. When I was home for spring break, Eugene helped me pick out and order a set and he mailed them to me at college. He was great with our secret.

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Jeff Long

Annette Lockhart

It had been several years since I’d seen Uncle Eugene. I believe it was at our dad’s funeral. Yet if we had crossed paths lately I’m pretty sure he’d be very much the same Uncle Eugene, kind, soft spoken but sure of what he said, all smiles, handsome, witty, smart, polite, obviously living his life to the fullest for our Lord! My first memory of him was either at Taunte Hilda & Uncle Tom’s home sitting with a cup of coffee speaking in in Dutch with the other uncles and aunts or visiting him, Taunte Gerde and Paul at their apartment in Artesia. We traveled to weddings with them when they lived here, received letters and sometimes African mementos from their work in Africa, and just observed how much he loved and had a heart for the people there. We would listen to stories of their travels, their villages and their ministry. It was always interesting and memorable! I was sad to hear that he passed. He was a good and faithful servant and he taught us all how to love each other a little more like Jesus.

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Mary Vanderveen

Jeff Long

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GENA BLOEMENDAAL

Eugene, Wynand, Stanley Koning (back), Gertrude and Rev. Hermann Koning (seated) 1940s

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GENA BLOEMENDAAL

2008, Colorado

Eugene Koning on a September 2008 visit to Colorado

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Jeff Long

GENA BLOEMENDAAL

2008, Colorado

Gene Koning holding grandson, Koen (Eugene's great-great grand nephew), Eugene Koning, Gena Koning Bloemendaal

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Comments:

GENA BLOEMENDAAL

Really going to miss great-uncle Eugene. He reminded me so much of his oldest brother, my grandpa Stan. Their... Read more Really going to miss great-uncle Eugene. He reminded me so much of his oldest brother, my grandpa Stan. Their reunion is undoubtedly... Read more Really going to miss great-uncle Eugene. He reminded... Read more

Sharon PIERCE

Dear cousins,
The last uncle from our Van Leeuwen family to pass from this life to eternity. I'm sure it was a surreal moment to share together as a family. We all loved uncle Eugene and had many good visits with him and Taunte Gerdi. I remember as a child him showing us how he made the "latest and greatest" eye glasses. May God bless you with many sweet memories. We love all of you. Ted & Sharon Otten-Pierce

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