Obituary of Bernard Kooyman

Barney died on January 24, 2023 at the age of 99. He was born on August 10, 1923 in Fresno, CA to John and Bertha Kooyman. Barney was the fifth of nine children. He served our country with the Marines during World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Barney went to work in the dairy business. In 1949, he and his five brothers established The Kooyman Brothers dairy in Thornton. Two years later, he married Darlyne Ekwortzell. After retiring from the dairy business in the mid 70s, Barney worked as a wine grape sugar tester at Woodbridge Winery and cherished the friendships he established. He was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Lodi. He enjoyed all sports, especially football. He was a 49er season ticket holder from 1958-78, taking his two sons to games at Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park when the team moved in 1971. Hugh McElhenny and John Brodie were his favorite Niners. He was such an avid fan, that just two days before his death, Barney watched the 49ers beat the Cowboys in the divisional round of the playoffs. Barney also enjoyed playing golf. He was a member of the Woodbridge Country Club for 54 years. He regularly played on Saturdays with “his group” and Thursday Twilight golf with Darlyne. He also loved to travel. He and Darlyne travelled to different destinations around the globe, and after her death in 1991, he continued his travels with Mary Ellen Lobaugh, who he married in 1993.

Barney was a music lover. Frank Sinatra was his favorite, but he knew the words to most songs, regardless of the genre or era. A few weeks before his passing, he was singing “Touch Me” a song recorded by the rock band The Doors back in 1968. Gifted with a great sense of humor and youthful outlook, he would hurry home after work to play football and games with his kids. Able to laugh at himself, his humor, faith, music and love for life, guided him throughout his 99 years. Barney is survived by his three children, sons Clete Kooyman (Donna) of Carmel, CA, Dirk Kooyman (Bobbyn) of Lodi, daughter Darcy Jack (Daren) of Eagle, Idaho, five grandchildren, Trevor Jack, Kayleigh McGrath, Drew Kooyman, Tory Hernandez, Katie Kooyman, two great grandchildren, Alice and Jack McGrath, brother Al Kooyman and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife Darlyne, wife Mary Ellen, parents John and Bertha Kooyman, brothers, John, Tom, Bill, Ronald (Gongi) Kooyman, sisters, Mary Ekas, Cornelia Foster and Frances Massip.

Visitation will be at the Lodi Funeral Home on Monday, February 13, 2023 beginning at 12 Noon, followed by a Rosary to be recited at the funeral home at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. A Reception will follow at St. Anne’s Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.