The Koops’ philosophy has become a way of life for them. They have made it a priority to carry on this philosophy of giving to their three children and their spouses, as well as their eight grandchildren. Larry explained that they purposefully engage their kids in conversations about giving back in many areas of life and the importance of continuing to follow their passions to create a better future.
Jeanie’s gift with children is evident daily in her job as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital-Neurological Development. Her giving personality is also obvious in her commitment to community involvement like her leadership role with GEMS and various health and social agencies. Larry played an active part in the community in his professional life as Community President-Fifth Third Bank- Lakeshore Market. In retirement, Larry continues to be involved in many key community efforts.
Giving has meant involvement over the years in each community where they have lived, serving on school boards, business related and nonprofit boards, volunteering, mentoring, United Way boards and other philanthropic endeavors. Giving back to the community through leadership, talent and volunteering is important to both Larry and Jeanie.
“We give ultimately because everything we ‘own’ is a gift itself; whether it is financial, material, work, or talents — it’s a gift from God.”
– Larry and Jeanie Koops
One can easily see how key faith and family are in Larry and Jeanie’s lives. Their eyes sparkle as they name each grandchild in the photographs they surround themselves with. They smile and laugh together as they share family traditions at the cottage; the memories made by being together with family and friends through the years.
However, the past hasn’t always been easy for the Koops. They have experienced loss firsthand with the passing of their twelve year old son, Jonathan, during a Christmas season. Through this tragic experience their family grew closer, they appreciated the gift of compassion from those around them, clung to their faith and took on a new urgency and understanding of giving in many forms.
Jeanie explains how Jonathan has impacted their lives in so many ways including the passion to give. “Before Jonathan died he had Christmas gifts paid and bought for every single family member.” He had been working all year to buy and personally make these gifts, explains Jeanie. “They were bought with a lot of care and thought for each person in the family.” The joy and thought that went into Jonathan’s gifts increased the Koops desire to help and give to others. They will continue to treasure his gifts forever.
One of the many ways the Koops have chosen to give is through becoming members of the Bridge Builder Society. Through their estate they will fund a donor advised fund that their children will have the opportunity to advise to carry on Larry and Jeanie’s commitment to giving.
Larry and Jeanie give to causes that their children support now and this fund will allow their children to support Larry and Jeanie’s passions in the future. They view this as one means to give to meaningful causes, including those unknown today, while involving the entire family and extending giving beyond themselves.
