FAIRFIELD, Iowa — Mark Edward Kool, 59, of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away peacefully Friday, January 19, 2018, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Neb. surrounded by his three sons.
The son of Marvin and Patricia Kool, Mark Edward Kool was born March 21, 1958, in Brookings, South Dakota. He was a graduate of Huron High School and earned his undergraduate degree and master’s degree in health/physical education/recreation at South Dakota State University (SDSU).
Mark had a passion for athletics throughout his life and was an accomplished athlete. Mark was extremely proud of his time as both a player (1977–79) and a coach at SDSU, and eventually was able to watch his son Dirk play on the same field, the field his father, Marvin Kool, also played on. His love for coaching took him to Spearfish High School, where he led them to their first State Football Championship in 1997. As a result, the South Dakota High School Coaches Association named him the 1997 Football Coach of the Year.
In addition to his time spent on the field, Mark touched the lives of countless students through his years of teaching physical education. He enjoyed teaching all grades, but especially elementary students, where Mr. Kool brought a smile to young faces. Since 2000, Mark resided in Fairfield, Iowa, where he was an elementary physical education instructor. There, he was also able to coach all three of his sons as the varsity football coach for the Fairfield Trojans.
Mark loved to fish, hunt, and play golf with family and friends.
Mark is survived by his three sons, Dirk Kool, of Sioux Falls, Dane (Monica) Kool, of Omaha, Neb., and Cody Kool, of Kansas City, Kan.; his grandchildren, Sawyer and Layla; his mother, Patricia Kool; siblings, Vicky (Chuck) Davis, Andy (Mary) Kool, Jonna (Eric Zurbrigen) Kool; and many nieces, nephews and their families.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Kool.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 27, in Huron at the Lodge (formerly known as Elks Lodge). A separate celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, February 24, in Fairfield, Iowa, at the Fairfield Golf and Country Club. All are welcome. Memorials can be made out to the family and sent to Dane Kool (4821 South 194th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68135) and will be established at a later date by the family.
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