Thomas E. Van Koevering

Thomas E. Van Koevering Professor, Education 2/25/02

Thomas E. Van Koevering, 69, former Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, died at his home in Sheboygan on Monday, April 25, 2011, comforted by his family. 

Tom was born Oct. 19, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Earl and Ruth (Freiberg) Van Koevering. He was raised in Jennings, Mich., by his aunt and uncle Roy and Emma McConnell. Following high school, Tom furthered his education at Western Michigan University from 1958 to 1962, where he received his BS Degree in Chemistry. He then attended the University of Michigan where he earned his Masters Degree in Science Education. Tom continued his education at Western Michigan University where he received his Doctorate in Science Education. 

On Aug. 4, 1962, Tom and Linda Brott were united in marriage in Wyoming, Mich. 

Tom began his teaching career at Wyoming High School. The family resided in Kalamazoo, Mich., before moving to Manitowoc in 1969. Tom was a professor in the University of Wisconsin System including Green Bay and Manitowoc, for 33 years, until his retirement in 2002. Tom and Linda spent a year in Malaysia, where he taught chemistry and developed an educational curriculum. 

Tom was honored by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in receiving the Founders Award for Community Outreach as well as numerous awards recognizing his professional accomplishments and including the Alumni Award in Science Education from Western Michigan University. 

Dr. Van Koevering was a member of Trinity Alliance Church in Manitowoc. The family formerly worshipped at St. Free Church, where served the church as Elder, deacon, bible study leader and Sunday school teacher. 

In addition to his wife, Linda, Tom is survived by three children, Lori and Michael Brooks, Sheboygan; Michael and Jolene Van Koevering, Fishers, Ind.; and Angela and Thomas Sindelar, Manitowoc. Tom adored his eight grandchildren, Jade Budan and friend, Mike Sydel, Sam Brooks, Dylan Budan, Alex Brooks, Aren Forrest, Emma Forrest, Claire Van Koevering and Sarah Van Koevering. His remaining family includes a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Gloria Peterson, Sheboygan; sister-in-law, Delores Brott, Cadillac, Mich.; and other family members. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; an aunt and uncle, Emma and Roy McConnell; mother-in-law Anna Brott and father-in-law, Clair Brott. A memorial service will be held Friday, 7 p.m., at Trinity Alliance Church, 3121 Nagle Ave., in Manitowoc. Rev. Thomas Gonzalez, Pastor, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church on Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Friday from 5 p.m. until the time of service. 

Memorial funds have been established in his name for Trinity Alliance Church building fund and the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank Carl and Mary Fansler and Joe and Dee Novotony for all of the love and support given during Tom's illness. We have been blessed by the many cards, e-mails and calls from friends, church family and neighbors. We would also like to thank Dr. Suzanne Grimm for her extraordinary help and giving us the ability to keep Tom at home. We would like to thank Dr. Betsy Nora for her help and support as well. During his illness we have had such support from many but would like to especially thank Tracy Cinealis for support at Libby's House and work through the Alzheimer's Foundation, Sharon Richardson Hospice nurses, social worker, aides, and chaplain, as well as the Comfort Keepers. 

Visit Ballhorn Chapels Website to light a candle and sign the guest book. 

Email condolences to support@ballhornchapels.com.

(Obituary published April 27, 2011, Green Bay Press-Gazette; reprinted with permission from Kevin Corrado, president and publisher, Green Bay Press-Gazette.)