McCOOK, Neb. -- William "Bill" Dean Koetter Jr., age 86, passed away Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 at his home in McCook.

 

Bill was born on Jan. 5, 1929, in McCook to William B. Koetter, Sr. and Mildred J. Lepper, the oldest of five children born to this union. Bill attended and graduated from McCook High School in 1947. Following graduation, he joined his father on the farm until he joined the United Sates Army on March 22, 1951. He served during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged as a Corporal on March 8, 1953. 

 

Bill married Patricia J. Doyle in McCook on April 6, 1953. To this union eight children were born. The couple raised their family on the family farm north of McCook. Patricia passed away Sept. 30, 1986.

On May 18, 1991, he married Patricia A. (Richards) Suiter in McCook. Patricia passed away July 23, 1999.

Bill married Marjorie Elaine (Berger) Owens on July 7, 2001 in McCook. Marjorie passed away January 29, 2012.

Bill was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Elks Club, Westside Sale Barn and Red Willow County Fair Board. He served as president of the fair board from 1967 to 1992. Bill was very proud to receive the 100-year Pioneer Family Farming award. He enjoyed early morning coffee with friends, playing cards, dancing, rodeo's and traveling with family and friends across the U.S. and Canada.

Survivors include sons, Joe Koetter and wife, Rose, of McCook, David Koetter of McCook, Greg Koetter and wife, Twila of Albion, Nebraska, Brian Koetter of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Ben Koetter and wife, Tera, of Seward, Nebraska; daughters, Valorie Lake and husband, Barney, of McCook and Lorie Berry and husband, John, of McCook; step-sons, Christopher Richards of Oklahoma, and Brett Richards of Texas; step-daughters, Pam Stuczynski and husband, Don, of Herndon, Kansas, and Diana Brunson and husband, Jim, of Omaha, Nebraska; three sisters, Mary Lebsack and husband, Harry, of McCook, Norma Boner and husband, Keith, of McCook and Millie Koetter of Seneca, Nebraska. Also surviving are 33 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives; son, Rodney Koetter; and sister, Muriel Campbell.