Wilhelmus “Wil” Kool, 87, of Alna, passed away at his home on Sept. 27, with his wife of 65 years by his side. Born on Sept. 26, 1927 in Delft, Holland, he was the son of Cornelius Johannes and Agatha Maria Kool.
Wil grew up in Holland and attended schools there until he joined the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps during WWII, where he served mainly in Indonesia. Upon the completion of the war, he met his wife, Aleida Harmsen, and the two married on June 29, 1949.
While in Holland, he worked many jobs including making bikes, teaching driver education and also working as a blacksmith making horseshoes. He was a member of the Dutch National soccer team, and enjoyed watching soccer matches on television until his passing. In 1961, the couple moved to the United States, settling in the Damariscotta area.
He was a successful businessman and opened an art gallery in Damariscotta, the House of Ruebens, which sold paintings from Belgium and was located adjacent to Yellowfront Grocery intown Damariscotta. He and Aleida ran the 5 & 10 for over 12 years, and later owned and operated the Alna Store for seven years.
Wil was a tremendous craftsman who enjoyed making birdhouses, and once made wooden crosses for every member of his church congregation. He was an accomplished painter, and enjoyed working with wood and wood burning. He was an avid chess player. He loved being in the woods where he cut trees and split wood to feed his two woodstoves.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Kees Kool in 1964; and brothers, Janus Kool, Kees Kool and Jaap Kool.
He is survived by his wife, Aleida Kool of Alna; sisters, Berdina “Diny” Von Yperen of Connecticut, and Petronella “Nellie” Wilhelmina Jongste of Holland; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends and neighbors.
A time of visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 2 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Fri., Oct. 3 at the Newcastle-Alna Baptist Church, 254 Head Tide Rd., Alna. He will be laid to rest with his son in the Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
