Preston Jay "Pres" Kool

Preston Jay "Pres" Kool, age 86, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 5, 2018. He died at the Legacy at the Oaks at Northpointe Woods in Battle Creek, his home for the last three years as he struggled with dementia and a failing body.

Preston was born to William and Christine Kool on December 7, 1931, in Holland, MI. He attended Holland Christian Schools and Calvin College, graduating from Calvin with a teaching degree. It was there he met his wife of 63 years, Marjorie DeNooyer, they were married in 1954. Pres served two years in the Army before he and Marge moved to Marge's hometown of Battle Creek, where he started his automotive career at DeNooyer Chevrolet. In 1959, Pres purchased Brown Oldsmobile and operated that until 1969. Also during that time, Pres developed a great love for his new hometown, and the couple began their legacy of community service and philanthropy. He also took up the game of golf and joined the Battle Creek Country Club. Pres played a significant role in making his community a better place, including serving as mayor of Battle Creek from 1967-1969. He provided steady leadership to Battle Creek during challenging times.

In 1969 Pres and Marge moved to Byron Center, where Pres worked in a couple of different jobs before getting back in the car business in 1973, purchasing a Chevrolet dealership in Grand Rapids, which remains in the family today. They made many good friends in Byron Center and continued to treasure those relationships their entire life.

In 1982, Pres and Marge returned to Battle Creek when he purchased DeNooyer Chevrolet. He also returned to community service, and served as a co-chair of the 1982 merger of the City of Battle Creek and Battle Creek Township. He later purchased and sold dealerships in Sturgis, Plainwell, Okemos, and Marshall, as well as two out of state stores.

Pres' strong Christian faith led him to be committed to making the world a better place, and he did that in many ways. He was a generous man; Pres and Marge were recognized for their philanthropy. He combined his love of golf with his charitable work, forming Battle Creek Golf Charities, raising over $400,000 for local charities through pro-am golf events. He dearly loved the Brass Band of Battle Creek. Pres served many organizations, including Battle Creek Christian Reformed Church, Calvin College, Burnham Brook, and Battle Creek Christian School.

Pres' greatest legacy, beyond his love for his Lord, his love for Marge and his love for his family, is the impact he had on all he met. He touched many lives, reflecting Christ in all he did. His larger-than-life personality endeared him to people in all walks of life; from the waitresses and patrons at Bob Evans restaurant to the many dealership employees he got to know. His list of friends included well known people like author Chuck Colson and golf pro Chi Chi Rodriguez. He was always optimistic and always friendly, even during the last difficult years.

Preston was preceded in death by brother William Kool and sister Joanne Tuls. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Marge; sisters Hazel Tibbe and Mary Van Harn, and brother James Kool. He is also survived by children Doug and Kathy Kool, Dave and Deb Kool, Tim and Lyn Kool, Tom Kool, Ron and Tammy Kool and Robyn and Brad Brumm. Preston and Marge were blessed with 21 grandchildren: Susan (Jonathon), Michelle (Dean), Matt (Dani), Rob (Jessi), Ana (Lavelle), Levi (Kristin), Micah, Eva, Staci (Drew), Amy (Nate), Patty (Shawn), Linda (Joe), Michael, Adam (Stephanie), Kaylie (Tim), Jon (Kaitlin), Jake, Powell, Glenn, Paige and Abby. Pres and Marge also have 14 great grandchildren, with more on the way!

Friends will be received from 1-3 and 5-7 on Tuesday, January 9, at Covenant Hope Church, 1021 Wagner Dr. in Battle Creek. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 10, also at Covenant Hope Church.

Memorials may be made to Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) Kool Family Center Fund, Brass Band of Battle Creek Fund also at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, or Covenant Hope Church. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here (above) at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.