Delores “Dolly” Kooima, 87, of Okoboji passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Lakes Regional Health Care in Spirit Lake.
A Funeral service was held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation was held on Sunday at the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Burial will take place in the Lakeland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Delores “Dolly” Mae (Dertien) Kooima was born January 3, 1938, in Geddes, South Dakota, to Emmo and Mildred (Kubal) Dertien of Platte, South Dakota. Dolly graduated from Platte High School and soon moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she was a nurse to the mother of Selma Sandness, Secretary of State. She received a scholarship to Nettleton Commercial College where she earned a Corporate Secretarial Degree and a Business Accounting Degree. During her time in college, she was employed part time at Mary’s Beauty Salon in Sioux Falls. After graduation she was appointed Deputy Clerk of the U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls with Judge George Mickelson presiding. Later, a new U.S. District Court was opened in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with Judge Axel J. Beck presiding. She was transferred there to be Clerk of U.S. District Court.
On September 16, 1960, Dolly married Jacob “Jack” J. Kooima in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Together, they lived in Rock Valley, Iowa, where Jack was employed by his father, Charles Kooima, owner of Kooima Machine Works. During this time, Dolly and Jack’s four children were born. Jack and Dolly permanently relocated to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they owned and operated Kooima Lakes Service, Inc. During their time in Rock Valley, Jack and Dolly attended Calvin Christian Reformed Church. After their move to Spirit Lake, they became members of First Presbyterian Church.
Dolly loved the thrill of slot machines, the bright lights of Las Vegas, and the joy of a good buffet. Whether she was tending to her beloved bookkeeping or hosting one of her famous garage sales, Dolly brought colorful outfits and massive jewels to everything she did. A passionate traveler, she took full advantage of the many free gifts and trips that came with her love of gambling. From being the cutest patient in the hospital (say the nurses) to sending all her descendant’s gifts from the clearance rack, she was one of a kind.
Dolly is survived by her son Kevin Kooima of West Okoboji, IA, and her daughters, Debra (Ken) Davelaar of Rock Valley, IA, Jacqueline (Scott) Goetsch of Conover, NC, and Mona (Matt Norman) Sweeney of Okoboji, IA. She had 9 grandchildren: Sidney Neville, Kacey Kooima, Ryan (Erin) Davelaar, Heidi (Art) VanderWaal, Heath Goetsch, Courtney (Jason) Goldie, Connery (Ciara) Sweeney, Seattle Sweeney, and Coral (Lawton Kramer) Sweeney. She had 9 great-grandchildren: Aidan, Arya, Treyton (Melinda), Cade (Lauren), Kennedy (Dylan), Luke Charles, Maya, Lydia, and Charlotte. Dolly was lucky enough to have 2 great-great-grandchildren, Bennett and Vivian. She is also survived by her sister, Sandy Breukelman.
Dolly was preceded in death by her husband Jack; her parents, Emmo and Mildred; her brothers, Gary and Ralph, and her sisters,CORE Helen and Maxine.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to causes close to Dolly’s heart. She had a lifelong love for animals and her passion can live on through your support to the following organizations: The humane Society of Northwest Iowa, People for Pets, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Dickinson County Nature Center.
