John "Jake" Jakob Kroontje

The world lost a special guy last week.  John Jakob “Jake” Kroontje, will be waiting for his family and friends in heaven.  Jake was born March 26, 1998 to John and Lesa (Starkenburg) Kroontje.  Jake was well loved by his family and leaves behind his siblings, Lily, Liam, Fiona, Emmy, Grace, Viola and Thijs.  He also leaves behind his grandparents Alvin and Carole Starkenburg and Hilda Kroontje and his Great Grandmother Viola VanderYacht.  Jake was also surrounded by Aunts and Uncles and cousins galore.  Jake leaves a huge hole in the lives of his many friends.

Jake was met at heavens door by a whole contingent that includes his Grandpa Buzz Kroontje and his sister Stephanie Rose.  So, beyond that what do you say in the obituary of a 19-year-old? Jake had a quick wit and incredible brilliance and he would have had the words, but they would have been one liners, so here are some words and phrases to describe Jake -  one of three best sons in the world, loyal, compassionate, selfless, friend, legendary, passionate, born again, animal lover, music fanatic, guitar player, adventurer, avid learner, “kind of a big deal”, hilarious, flannel shirt collector, wise, nature lover, dancing machine, prankster, soft hearted, aching soul.  A private family burial and a remembrance of Jake were held Monday, March 19, 2018 where we shared some of Jake’s favorite foods, music and some of our memories.  Memorials can be made to the Jake Kroontje Memorial Fund at any Bank of the Pacific location to support the music programs at the local Lynden Schools and the Jansen Art Center.