Jeffrey was born June 25, 1949 in Lodi, California to William and Darlene Kooyman. He was the first of six children. After a short illness he died June 8, 2017. He was raised on his family’s dairy in Thornton with his brother and cousins with whom he attended St. Anne’s Catholic School. In 1962 at age thirteen Jeff moved to Lodi with his family and attended Lodi High School. He joined the chess club where he became champion. He continued his studies at the University of California at Davis earning a degree in electrical engineering, then to UC Berkeley for a master’s degree. Jeffrey suffered from a mental illness but found brightness in his faith, music, family and friends. He was a gifted pianist, composing and playing melodies spontaneously, leaving captive listeners in awe. Jeff’s dedication to the Lord was evident through his daily visits to church. His bible was read so often that it no longer has a cover and the pages are folded and worn. He loved his family and wrote beautiful, personalized poems on birthdays and holidays. Jeff always looked forward to family celebrations and magically came to life as Santa and the Easter Bunny for his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed riding his bicycle, delivering newspapers to many in the community and visiting friends daily at local establishments.
Jeffrey is survived by his stepmother Judy Kooyman, brother Rodney Kooyman (Yingying), sisters Carol Kooyman, Ellen Kooyman, and Kathy Hanna (Bryan), and 11 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Darlene Kooyman and his brother William (Billy) Kooyman.
The Rosary will be recited at Donahue Funeral Home at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, 2017. A Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the hall.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut Street, Lodi, CA 95240 or the American Cancer Society , 207 E. Alpine Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204. -

Elmer “Sandy” Sandmeier passed away on 6/7/17 at Vienna Rehab in Lodi, after a long illness. Born in Long Lake, SD, to Edward & Adelia (Gohl) Sandmeier, eldest of 2 boys, he was raised on the farm speaking German. In 1950 while serving in South Dakota National Guard, he and his brother were called up to serve in the Army in Alaska, during the Korean Conflict, where he learned to cook for huge groups. Before serving, he married Lyla Stockwell in Aberdeen, SD. They had 5 children, the last 3 born in Lodi.

Sandy’s true love was flying. After riding a crop dusting bi-plane at age 12, he took lessons in Lodi and flew anything he got his hands on, becoming a rated pilot instructor. An Aeronca at Lind’s field was where he taught his kids to fly, yelling “contact” after cranking the propeller, trusting his kids to start the engine when they were old enough to reach the pedals. After teaching Karen Pearson to fly, they were married in Stockton. After retiring from motor home sales in Manteca, he retired to Avery/Arnold area, enthusiastically enjoying the community and snow birding in their motor home “Moby-Dick”. Joining all the lodges, including Lions and Elks, Sandy enjoyed cooking for the masses at fund raisers & BBQ’s. Sandy gently cared for her till she passed from her long time bout with Alzheimer’s.

Sandy is survived by his brother Otto (Carmen) of Lodi, his children: Jane of Los Angeles, Doug of Lodi, Scott (MiRan) of Los Angeles, Cathy (Jeff) Tonks of Fair Oaks, and Lori Tarin of Graeagle, step children, Cindy (Mark) Seaman, Cathy (Duane) Westcot, Ron (Mary) Pearson, his 1st wife Lyla Ragar of Lodi, nine grandchildren: Bridget Marquardt, Eddie Sandmeier, Briana Frasnelli, Stephanie and Jakob Sandmeier, Wesley (Christina) Nilssen and Melissa Nilssen, Cassandra and Nicholas Tarin, three step grandchildren Amanda Tonks, Diana (Duncan) Adam, & Grayson Tonks, and two great grandchildren, Cole Nilssen of Sacramento & Clara Frasnelli of Virginia. Also nieces and cousins, and his many good friends in Arnold.

The family wishes to thank the staff of DaVita Dialysis, Vienna Rehab and Hospice of San Joaquin for their wonderful care. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Interment will be at VA National Cemetery in Dixon.