June 29, 1930 – August 19, 2023
SOUTHERN SHORES — Franciscus (Frans) Petrus Paulus Koeleveld, family patriarch and esteemed textile engineer, passed away on August 19, 2023. He was born on June 29, 1930, in The Hague, The Netherlands. A longtime resident of Southern Shores, NC, Frans was 93 years old at the time of his passing.
Frans began his professional journey after graduating from Tilburg Textile College in The Netherlands, where he obtained his bachelor of science degree in engineering. He served as a first lieutenant in the Royal Air Force of The Netherlands before embarking on a successful career as a textile engineer. He retired from BASF Corporation in 1993 and held two patents.
Beyond his professional achievements, Frans found immense joy in his family. He was a family man through and through—a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud Opa and over-Opa, adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He provided wise guidance and unwavering support to his loved ones, and basked in the glow of their achievements.
A highly skilled bridge player, Frans was an active member of the American Contract Bridge League and became a Lifemaster. He also loved playing chess and other card games, and he was an avid non-fiction reader and classical music aficionado. In his retirement, he served as Chairman of the Town of Southern Shores Board of Adjustment.
Frans is preceded in death by his parents, Jacoba and Frederick Koeleveld, by his sisters Anneke and Corrie, and by his brothers Martien and Fred.
Frans is survived by his loving wife, Caecilia Koeleveld, and their children: Robin (Tricia) of Raleigh, NC; Monique of Madison, AL; Estelle (Jeff) of Dayton, MD; Edgar-John of Southern Shores, NC; and Celeste (Paul) of New York, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nicole, Aaron, Emma, Joshua, Melina and Justin, as well as his great-grandchildren: Gaige and Kylie. Frans is further survived by his sisters: Trees, Roos, Bea, and Astrid, all residing in The Netherlands.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, August 28, 2023, at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk, NC, officiated by Rev. John A Hanley, osfs. Following the mass, a graveside committal will take place at the Southern Shores Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Frans and Caecilia’s home (72 Gravey Pond Lane, Southern Shores, NC 27949) on Sunday, August 27, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics in North Carolina (specialolympics.org), an organization that held a special place in Frans’s heart.
Frans P. Koeleveld will be remembered for his intense love for his family, his dedication to his profession, and his remarkable presence in the lives of those who knew him. His loss leaves a gaping hole in our lives—a hole that we will fill with cherished memories of a blessed and honorable life well lived.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com
