Obituary of Richard A. Koerner
Richard A. Koerner, age 87, lifetime resident of Will County, passed away peacefully at home in his wife’s arms on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
He was born in Lockport, on July 7th, 1930 to the late Jacob and Mary (nee Kelly) Koerner. Rich was the youngest of 14 children. He was the last surviving member of his generation of Koerners. Preceded in death by Helen Homan, Elizabeth Bode, Marion Paul, Dorothy Ostafin, Anna, Clara, Jacob, Lawrence, Elmer, Harry, Don, Kenneth, and William John Koerner. He is survived by his half-sister, Barbara Latchaw.
He graduated from Lockport Township High School and was employed at Standard Oil Company in logistics. In 1951, he was drafted by the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean War as a Sergeant First Class. Upon returning home, he met and fell in love with Jennie Czerkies.
Rich and Jennie soon married and they proceeded to have a wonderful life together.
Rich retired from Standard Oil after 32 years of service as an Accountant. He then accepted a Business Manager position for St. John the Baptist Church, his lifelong parish. After retiring a second time, Rich spent his retirement traveling with Jennie. They visited 41 states, Mexico and Canada with numerous trips to Florida. As he did throughout his life, Rich always found the time and energy for his loved ones especially his children.
Throughout the years the Koerner Family expanded to six children, 17 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren which included Jeff (Janet), parents of Katie (Rick Hall) and Brandon; Chris (Dave Daly), parents of Tim (Julie), Steve, Jim (Lisa), Mary (James Meglio) and Joe; Bob, father of Mike (Katelin) and Stephanie (Kiel Golike); Bill (Judy), parents of Kelly, Paul, Amy, and Jenny; Dan (Doty), parents of Nick and Dana; and Julie (Chris Drach), parents of Cliff and Cooper. His great grandchildren are Dominic, Jake, Addie, Grace, Jack, Sunny, Katie, Heather and Sarah. This beautiful family exists all because two people fell in love.
Rich lived an exceptional life. He spent his 87 years helping others, spending time with his wife, and enjoying his family. Rich was a terrific listener and a man who truly lived the Catholic Faith, to help others in need.
Funeral services for Richard Koerner will be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds, Joliet, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 N. Hickory Street, Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. The family asks that any kindnesses of gifts be sent in the form of donations to St. John’s Renovation Fund. Visitation will be held Monday, April 2, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
