Norman Koeller

Norman C. Koeller of Siloam Springs, AR, passed away age 82 on Friday, August 6, at Alma Health and Rehab in Alma, AR. He was born April 30, 1939, in Joliet, Illinois to the late George and Adeline Koeller. Norm, or Mr. Koeller to his students, taught English at Gentry High School for 30 years. He was a gifted educator and loved teaching. He was always so grateful for his many students whose lives he touched. Norm himself graduated high school from Mountain Home, Arkansas and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. After his retirement at a very young age, he served on the Gentry United Way board and the Gentry Library board. Norm also enjoyed his cars and often referred to himself as a “Gear Head.” Norm’s faith was also a large part of his life. He was a very active member of the Grace Episcopal Church and spent time volunteering at the Gentry Assembly Church Food Pantry and delivering Meals on Wheels. Norm was preceded in death by his parents, George and Adeline; his loving stepmother, Ann, who raised him; his stepson, Wesley Paul Altland; and, his wife, Mary Lou, who was his best friend and the love of his life. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Margaret Patterson and her husband Phillip of Alma, AR; his three granddaughters; his son, Mike Altland and his wife Vicki of Conway, AR and their two daughters; his son Bill Altland and his wife Sarah of Monmouth, OR and their four children; his son John Altland and his wife Sheri of Denver, CO and their four children; and, Marla Altland, widow of the late Wesley Paul Altland, and their three children. Service will be held Wednesday, August 11, at 10:00am at Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs, AR and will be led by Reverend Stan McKinnon, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church. Masks will be required according to COVID protocols. A private burial ceremony will be held at Oakhill Cemetery in Siloam Springs, AR. Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Siloam Springs, AR or to the Gentry HS Scholarship Fund (Koeller Scholarship C/O Emily Hodges, 201 S. Giles, Gentry, AR 72734).

Tributes

Norman Koeller

April 30, 1939 - August 6, 2021