Peter Stephen Koeller

Peter Stephen Koeller of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2014 at the age of 70 years. He was born on Jan. 14, 1944 in Oshkosh the son of Herbert and Evelyn (nee Nottleman) Koeller. After his graduation from Oshkosh High School, his family moved to California where Peter earned degrees from Fullerton Jr. College and the University of Southern California. He also met and married his lifelong partner, Sandra Miller in California. A job opportunity brought Peter back to Wisconsin in 1971, where he resided until the end of his life. Peter worked in management for a number of Wisconsin companies, primarily the West Bend Co, Maysteel, and New Berlin Plastics. For many years he also taught two courses as a part-time instructor at MPTC - Principles of Supervision and Business Math. He enjoyed teaching and sometimes regretted that teaching was not his primary career. Peter was a "people" person who will be remembered for his humor, energy, optimism, generosity, volunteerism, servanthood, and youthful enthusiasm. He was a Boy Scout leader and Little League coach. He worked tirelessly and joyfully as a lay leader and as an ordained deacon at St James Episcopal Church in West Bend for many years. There he helped establish Harvest House, a weekly meal program, and he served as coordinator/cook for many years thereafter. More recently, as the deacon at St Aidan's Episcopal Church in Hartford, he initiated and served as coordinator/cook at the Hartford Community Meal program at the church. He very much enjoyed serving as deacon at both parishes and beyond. He made numerous trips to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to aid in recovery efforts and also traveled to West Virginia to serve in the Episcopal Appalachian Ministries. Peter was an avid golfer who also enjoyed traveling, rooting for the Brewers and Packers, touring museums, and listening to public radio and music, especially classic rock, blues and local musicians - Sue Russell, John Pankow, Dave Petty, Rick Gilbertson, Denny Woelz, and Tim Pfeifer. In recent years he became something of a foodie and especially enjoyed dining at Cafe Soeurette in West Bend. He always delighted in working with and relaxing with family and friends. Peter is survived by his loving wife Sandy of 46 years, his three beloved children, daughter Erika (Matthew) Gullerud of Chippewa Falls, sons Christopher of Beloit and Matthew of Indianapolis, and dearest granddaughter Emily. He is also survived by older brother John (Sharon), younger brother Jim and other relatives and friends. Family will receive relatives and friends Saturday, January 17, 2015 from 1:30-3:00 at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church (670 E Monroe Street, Hartford). Memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm at church. Bishop Steven Miller will officiate. Memorials to St. Aidan’s Episcopal church would be appreciated. Peter's family are grateful to the staff at St Joseph's Hospital, Cedar Crossings, Easy Living Home Health Care, and Kathy's Hospice for their kind and helpful services. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home is serving the family. www.berndt-ledesma.com

Peter Stephen Koeller

January 14, 1944 - December 24, 2014