John Richard Koller
John Richard Koller, 95, died peacefully in Albuquerque, NM on Sunday January 3, 2021. Born June 24, 1925, to Louis and Esther Bauman Koller in Minneapolis, MN he was the third of four children. John is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Joan Harrison Koller, his children Katherine Koller Vogt, Steven (Susan), Michael (Paula) and Paul (Debbie) Koller, sons-in-law Rob Griffith (Linda) and Paul Moran, 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and sister Joanie Kongsvik. He is predeceased by his daughters Mary Koller Griffith and Rebecca Koller Moran, his son-in-law Bill Vogt, his parents, his sister Donna Koller, and his brother Robert Koller. John was a 1938 graduate of Annunciation Grade School in Minneapolis, 1942 of St. Thomas Military Academy, St. Paul, MN, and the University of Minnesota with a BS of Law degree in 1951. John proudly served in Europe (England, Holland, Germany and France) during World War II as a 1LT in the Army Air Corps. He was a bombardier/ navigator with 11 combat missions over Germany on a B26 Marauder bomber (“the widow maker”). In 2016 he joined an Honor Flight to Washington, DC.
For 52 years he worked as an insurance agent, originally with Travelers Insurance Company in Minneapolis and Denver before moving to Albuquerque in 1960 to open the Irick and Koller Agency. In 1989 he merged with the Gerding, McMahon, Padon, and Koller Agency from which he retired at age 82. John and Joan moved to Sun City West, AZ to enjoy their active retirement years before returning to Albuquerque in 2016 to be closer to family.
Faith and love of God guided his life. He and Jo were members of our Lady of Fatima Parish for over 60 years and were active in many parish ministries including the Church choir. John worked tirelessly to advance ecumenism, was a strong supporter of Right to Life, and the Serra Club to promote religious vocations. John was active in local Republican politics and served on the School Board and Booster Club of St. Pius X High School where all six of his children graduated.
John was a grill master and took meticulous care of our lawn. He loved singing along with any 40’s and Big Band music, and Frank Sinatra. John kept journals throughout his life and recorded hours of home movies. He and his best friend, brother Bob, loved plays on words and “High Society”. An avid sportsman, John played basketball, baseball (MN 1942 state championship winning pitcher), and golf. In his 50’s he started playing racquetball and participated in over 50 tournaments all over the country becoming a nationally ranked senior player and a World Senior champion. As a fan he cheered on his favorite teams – Lobos (an original Pit season ticket holder), Twins, Vikings, Gophers, Fatima Falcons, Pius Sartans, Academy Chargers (but certainly not if they were playing against Pius!), La Cueva Bears and Benedictine Ravens. He loved Gull Lake, MN (his paradise and where he met Jo in 1942) fishing for Willie Walleye, calling the loons, eating Jo’s walleye and blueberry pancakes for breakfast, and going to Bar Harbor. As a family we shared many happy times on vacation at Gull Lake and in San Diego, on picnics, and at sporting events. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. Rest in peace Walleye Wizard!
Rosary January 22, 2021 at 5:30pm and Mass of Christian Burial January 23, 2021 at 11:00am both at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Burial with military honors at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Due to COVID restrictions, only immediate family is allowed at the burial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to New Mexico Right to Life or to St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, MN.