William John Kooreman

passed away peacefully in his sleep, of natural causes, at Messenger House on Bainbridge Island, WA. Bill was 88 years old.William John Kooreman was born in Alton, Iowa in 1927. Bill married the love of his life, Audrey Dexter Kooreman, in 1951 in Rawson, North Dakota, and they enjoyed 64 years together.An accomplished artist, Bill graduated from Iowa State University and began his art studies in 1947 at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, then onto the Minneapolis Art institute and the University of Montana. Bill began his art career as a department store display designer. He taught in a country grade schools for three years in Darby, MT, then served four years as an assistant director in a state museum in Spokane. In 1960 he moved to Baltimore as the art director for the social security administration. In 1974 he moved to Seattle as their regional public affairs officer, retiring in 1986. After retirement he studied with Nadine Tate at Olympic College.Bill and Audrey, have been island residents for 40 years. He appeared in 14 plays at Bainbridge Performing Arts, and he exhibited his watercolor paintings in several galleries on the Island. Bill was an active volunteer for several Island organizations. For many years he annually created Santa and reindeer Christmas cards to benefit Helpline House and the Children's Hospital Bargain Boutique.Bill is survived by his wife Audrey and son Thomas.The Kooreman family is grateful to the capable and compassionate staff at Messenger House for making Bill's last days so comfortable and enjoyable. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 10 am at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA 98061. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Helpline House at 282 Knechtel Way, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.