Lester Koetz

Lester "Ozzie" Koetz, 87, of Gurnee, left this earth for his heavenly home on August 25, 2015 at Winchester House in Libertyville. Cherishing his memory are his favorite son, Dan (Susan), favorite daughter, Julia, and favorite son, Allan (Marie), 5 treasured grandchildren, Kirsten (Todd) Klein, Regan (Wendy) Koetz, Meggen (Matt) Davis, Collin (Alyssa) Koetz, and Madeline Koetz, 5 adored great-grandchildren, Brady, Allyson and Lexi Koetz, and Brock and Bryce Davis, who knew him as "Pop Pop Pop", siblings Harry, Cynthia Ann, Opal and Kim. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, June, as well as 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Ozzie loved life and loved people. He was a sharing, caring, loving, godly man, who read his Bible and prayed daily for every member of his family, extended family, and anyone else who needed prayer! His home with his beautiful wife was always a hub of activity for friends, neighbors, family, youth groups from church, and his Sunday School class from Grace Missionary Church in Zion. Everyone felt loved and accepted. He served as choir director for 20 years, sang in a quartet, played trumpet, served as an AWANA leader, then served as choir director at their church in Libertyville when they moved to Gurnee. Most recently he sang in the choir at Gurnee Community Church, where he and his wife were members. Ozzie was part owner of Koetz and Barton Plumbing and Heating, co-owner of Koetz Plumbing and Piping with his son, Dan, and was politically involved in the governor's code committee for the industry, eventually becoming state president of the ILPHC Contractors Assn. Ozzie was an avid enthusiast of fishing, camping, water skiing, scuba diving, hunting pheasant, golf, volleyball and anything related to planes, including flying Piper Cubs. He loved boating and built several boats of his own. He and June travelled to all 50 states, as well as Spain, Canada and many of the Caribbean islands. We will deeply miss our precious Ozzie, but he has left a legacy of deep faith in Jesus, of caring and sharing, of doing your best with joy in the process. Romans 12:10-12 summarizes Ozzie's life: " Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but serve God with fervor. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with those who are in need. Practice hospitality." These things he did so well, even to the very end. We wish to thank the staff at Winchester House for the special care he received from them while a resident. They are deeply appreciated by his family. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Rd., Gurnee IL. Entombment will be private. Friends may greet the family on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Ozzie specified that memorial donations be made to Gurnee Community Church , memo GCC Funeral Luncheons, so there will always be enough for everyone.