Barbara Diane Koerner

KOERNER, Barbara Diane, died unexpectedly at Miami Valley Hospital surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 26 at age 63 years, 6 months. She was born June 20, 1952 in Detroit, MI to Robert Gilstorf and Helen Grein Gilstorf. She graduated from Grosse Pointe High School, the University of Michigan, and received a Masters degree from Michigan State University. She began her 30-year professional career as a Speech Language Pathologist in the Anne Arundel County (MD) schools and then in the Huber Height school district. Her love of children and concern for her students were huge factors in her life. She lost both of her parents at an early age even donating a kidney to try and save her father. She gained a new family after marriage to John in 1990 and became an active mother and loving glue that bound family and friends together. She was a big fan of theater and was active in the Annapolis Colonial Players and the Beavercreek Community Theater. At St Luke Catholic Church, she taught catechism to kindergartners, was a substitute teacher, and a chef for the Bereavement Committee. In spite of incurable illnesses and recurrent hospitalizations over the last 5 years, she maintained a positive life force for all who knew her. She never forgot birthdays and special remembrances for all family. She prepared an annual family directory which was given along with baked pizzelles to all at Christmas. Her absence will leave an unfillable void for all who loved her including her husband John, son Andrew, stepdaughter Jennie Cauchi (Jeremy) of New Zealand, brothers/sisters in law Gordy (Becky) of MI, and Robert (Gina) of MN, sister/brother-in-law Nancy and Paul McDonald, nieces/nephews Pam (Steve) Wrobel, Kathy (Byron) McCrabb, Julie (Bart) Wagner, Scott (Traci) McDonald, Sarah Gilstorf, Bobby and Johnny Gilstorf, and numerous great nephews and nieces. She enjoyed playing games and attending events at the Dayton Liederkranz where she was a member. She was a friend to animals and our pets will miss her care and warm lap. Our grief is overwhelming, but we take solace in her faith and the knowledge that she has entered God's kingdom, free from all earthly suffering. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek on Sunday, January 31st. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 1st, at 10 A.M. at Saint Luke Church, 1440 North Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.