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John Ray Kool, 68, passed away peacefully at home in Lincoln, NE, on April 28, 2023, from a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, three children, son-in-law, and sister at the time of his passing. John will be dearly missed and always remembered.
John was born October 17, 1954, in Newton, IA, to parents William and Alice (Kersbergen) Kool. John was the sixth of seven children. He attended L-S schools and graduated from Newton High School. He attended Drake University on a full-ride Maytag scholarship, where he graduated with a B.S. in Music Education in 1976. He went on to be a school band director, manage a family-owned music store, was the bugler at Ak-Sar-Ben racetrack, played trumpet in many bands, taught music lessons to countless students, and played taps at many graveside military services.
In July of 1979, he married Phyllis (Swoboda) and enjoyed spending time with their three active children. John lived a full life; often enjoying playing his trumpet for church services, teaching others the love of music, and playing as the lead trumpet player in the Intergenerational Orchestra (IGO). John retired in December of 2016, but continued playing trumpet and giving lessons, as well as watching his grandchildren grow. In recognition of his service to the community, the Plattsmouth Mayor proclaimed February 4th, 2017 as John R. Kool Day.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and niece, Julie (Kool) Hodge. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Lincoln, NE); his three loving children, Bill (Suzie) Kool of Elkridge, MD, Alison (Rick) Garcia of Chicago, IL, and Veronica (Kyle) Jones of Lincoln, NE; his five grandchildren, Kayla, Johnny, Josh, Alicia, and Ellie; his six siblings, Paul (Sharon) Kool of Newton, IA, Norman (Jackie) Kool of Cedar Rapids, IA, Mary (Ron) Goecke of State Center, IA, Helen (Gene) Kaldenberg of Reasnor, IA, Joan Kool of Newton, IA, and Jim Kool of Newton, IA; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and countless friends.
Services will be held Saturday, May 6, at North American Martyrs Church in Lincoln, NE, with visitation at 8:30 am, rosary at 10:00 am, funeral Mass at 11:00 am, and a luncheon at 12:00 pm. Burial Service will follow at 4:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery in Omaha, NE. Cards can be sent to Phyllis Kool, 700 R. Street #81151, Lincoln, NE 68501.