"So sorry to hear about Mrs. Koetters. She was my fifth grade teacher at Adams School 50 years ago. She was always one of my favorite teachers. I will never forget running into her at the grocery store recently and she still called me by name ! She was a wonderful person and will be missed, but will not be forgotten. Steve Baker"
In loving memory of
Joan Elizabeth Koetters
July 30, 2013
Joan Elizabeth Koetters, age 78, of 1603 Wilmar Drive, Quincy, died on Tuesday, July 30th, 2013, at 5:12 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.
Joan was born on August 6th, 1934, in Quincy, a daughter of F. William and Norma Bruenger Heckenkamp. She married Gerald (Jerry) R. Koetters on June 11th, 1960 in St. Francis Solanus Church in Quincy. He survives.
Joan attended St. Peter's grade school and was a 1952 graduate of Notre Dame High School. She graduated from Quincy College with a teaching degree. Prior to her marriage, she taught in Belleville, Illinois, for several years before she came back to settle in Quincy. She also taught at St. Peter's school before she was married. She taught 5th grade at Adams School and finished her 34 year career at Baldwin School.
Joan was an active member of St. Peter's Catholic Church participating in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and the Social Concerns Committee. Recently she had become an Associate with the Dominican Order in Springfield, Illinois.
Joan was also an active volunteer at Blessing Hospital working in the Tea Room for many years. She loved to play golf and bridge and lunch with the ladies.
Joan was a wonderful wife and sister and aunt and friend. Survivors in addition to her husband include her brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Joan, of Quincy, numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Bill, Sr., and Norma, and her brother, Gene, of Akron, Ohio.
Services: 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2013 in Hansen Spear Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, with Monsignor Leo Enlow officiating. Pallbearers will include nephews, Tim Koetters from Nashville, Tennessee, Gary Koetters from Hendersonville, Tennessee, Kevin Koetters from Olathe, Kansas, Will Heckenkamp from San Clemente, California, John Heckenkamp, from Dove Canyon, California, and Rob Christie from Wheaton, Illinois.
Visitation: Friday, August 2, 2013 from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials: St. Peter's School, 2500 Maine Street, Quincy, 62301, or Quincy Notre Dame High School, 1400 South 11th Street, Quincy, 62301 or donate online at: https://www.quincynotredame.org/secure/donation.php
www.hansenspear.com
Arrangements: Hansen Spear Funeral Home
Tributes
"Mrs. Koetters was a fantastic teacher and woman. As her student she showed enthusiasm for teaching mixed with the right amount of compassion and understanding. You didn't want to let her down or disappoint, so you listened and learned. We extend our deepest condolences to your family."
"I'm so sorry to read of the passing of Mrs. Koetters. I have many found memories of her and my days at Adams School. My deepest sympathy to her family."
"Mr. Koetters and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I had Mrs. Koetters at Adams School in the early 1970's. She was one of my favorite teachers. I hope good memories will help you through this difficult time."
"Yes. Mrs. Koetters. The family of the late Jim and Polly Whitfield and their children Kay, Janet and Jim thought much of her and wish her family peace."
"She was a superb 5th grade teacher for our kids--always positive and inspiring -- A role model for younger teachers !"
"I am just so sad to read about Mrs. Koetters passing. I had tried for some years to find her but sadly, never did. She was one of my favorite teachers at Adams School. I remember winning the Halloween poster contest when I was in her class. I got to paint my picture on a window at a downtown store. She was so sweet to come support me. Brought me some markers because it was cold that day and I was having a hard time with the paint. What a sweet lady. My heart goes out to Jerry and all of her family."
"Hey Uncle, Sorry for your loss. Great woman. You were lucky to have her for many many years. See you Friday. Your nephew, Gary"
"We extend our condolences to Gerry and all of the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."