William Koshewa Jr. passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the age of 98. He received his B.A. in 1944 from Elmhurst College and his Masters of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 1947. He was ordained in the United Church of Christ and served pastorates in Illinois, Ohio, Florida, and Indiana, including twelve years as pastor of St. Marks U.C.C. in New Albany, Indiana.
He served as Conference Minister with jurisdiction over churches in Illinois and Florida. He assumed many leadership roles in the UCC at the international level, namely in the Middle East, India, and Cuba. In 1969, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity for outstanding service to church and community.
He was an avid sports enthusiast throughout his adult life, having earned letters in three sports at Elmhurst – basketball, football, and track. His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, and playing the piano.
His greatest love was for his beautiful, talented wife, Libby, and their five devoted daughters and their families. He will be remembered as a dedicated servant of the church. His inspired leadership will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched in his wonderful life of ninety-eight years.
William was preceded in death by his parents, William and Henrietta Koshewa Sr; brother, Rev. Arthur Koshewa; sister, Margaret Britner; son-in-law, James Burris; and granddaughter, Heather Goodman.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 74 years, Elizabeth (Hammond) Koshewa; five daughters, Carol Rietze (Barry) of Niceville, FL, Joy Smither (John) of Louisville, KY, Joan Goodman (Jim) of Nashville, IN, Connie Koshewa of Albuquerque, NM, Kathy Hundsdorfer (Wayne) of St. Louis, MO; Eight grandchildren, Justin Smith (Melissa), Anna Hamman (James), Susan Keely (Prichard), Jared Goodman (Nicole), Jesse Burris, Robin Burris, Kelly Pannullo (Dan), Kyle Hundsdorfer (Whitney); Eleven great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.
The Funeral Service will be Friday, June 25, 2021 at 1:00pm at Evergreen Funeral Home with visitation from 11:00am until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Please visit www.Evergreen-Louisville.com to share condolences with William’s family.
