Paul Walter Koetter

On Dec 23, 2016 we lost a veteran, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a husband of 66 years, and, most importantly, a guy that put others before himself. Paul W. Koetter, born April 6, 1923 in Rochester, NY, past away in Mesa, AZ surrounded by his beloved family. He leaves behind his wife Marion, daughter Janet (Ed) Oxford, sons Paul (Joanne), John (Cathy), and Walter (Cheryl), as well as 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, and numerous nieces/nephews. After returning from combat in World War II, Paul graciously served his Rochester, NY automotive repair business customers for 35+ years. He loved to scuba dive, collect antiques/clocks, travel, entertain with his humor, and drink beer. Paul was the first to open a door for a stranger, first to provide a handout to a friend in need, and first to buy the bar a round!

In failing physical health, Paul’s final mission in life was to keep his wife, suffering with Alzheimer’s, out of a memory care facility as long as possible. In true “Iron Man” fashion, he accomplished this task for a year and a half after diagnoses for COPD, blood cancer, heart failure, and spinal stenosis. With all his own ailments, the one that anguished him most was his wife’s. Thus in lieu of flowers/cards please consider a memorial gift to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Below is a speech given by Paul's loving daughter Janet at a WWII honor ceremony prior to his death:

I was surprised and delighted to find out that I was chosen to be a speaker at this event and have the opportunity to honor all the Veterans here today but in particular, my father, Paul Koetter. As a WWII Vet, he began his Army service in 1943 at the young age of 20, assigned to Cannon Company, 341st Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Division. Upset that his father had gotten him out of the draft, he secretly signed up anyway as he wanted to serve the country and not be left behind- he honestly thought he would not come home alive. He did 1 overseas tour of duty that took him to France, Germany, and the Phillippines. His next stop was scheduled to be Japan on the front line, but thank God, the war ended. Dad is fluent in German, and while in the service, was often used as an interpreter. This skillset was extremely useful while he held German prisoners captive. Over the next 50 years, Dad stayed actively engaged with the 86th Blackhawk Division which included annual trips to enjoy the comradery and reminisce about their adventures. The two most memorable reunion trips were to Germany, to retrace the Division's steps during the War, and the dedication of the Division Memorial erected at Camp San Luis Obispo. This dedication was the division's planned final reunion. I took him up on his invitation to be a part of that reunion with him in California and special it was! While Dad's service to the country was a mere 3 years, it was evident that the friendships were for a lifetime!

But Dad is so much more than a soldier. He has been blessed with longevity like all the Vets in this room today. So I'd like to take a couple of minutes to share a glimpse of some other chapters of his life. Dad worked hard and played hard, and sometimes he drank hard! He was very athletic. He was a springboard diver and swimmer in high school. In college, he was a partner in a diaper service business! He and his dad had up to 11 service stations at one time and he was a master mechanic- climbing atop the engines of the big Mack Trucks- coming home with grease & oil embedded into his cracked fingers. I actually came to like the smell of Lava soap!

He and my mother, this beautiful woman here in this picture, raised 4 children and though we weren't rich, we had fun! We enjoyed swimming, boating, water skiing, camping and games. He and my mother were pioneers of SCUBA Diving, gluing together their own wetsuits on the dining room table- loved the smell of that glue too! Together they taught SCUBA for 16 years and were active in a sports divers club for many years, chopping holes in ice to dive below while I would be ice-skating above. Our house was filled with the underwater finds from shipwrecks and coral reefs- a bit illegal now. This hobby often got them featured in the local newspaper- (show pics). Dad loves antiquing, clock collecting , and is a loyal lifetime member of the American Legion. He could beat most in billiards and Gin Rummy. And truth be told, could out-Polka anyone on the dance floor.

He is a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and jokester (in case you didn't know that one). Despite his own physical frailties, he is a full time caregiver to my mother who has memory and hearing challenges. He has always been my hero and my "Errol Flynn" and I love him dearly.

In closing, I want to thank every Veteran here today for your service. P.S. Dad, did the soldiers ever find out who put that Limburger cheese on the light bulb?

With love, from your favorite daughter!

Janet