Julius L. “Julie” Koerner, Jr., 73, Munjor, died Monday, March 14, 2016 at his home.
He was born August 19, 1942 in Hays the son of Julius P. Koerner, Sr. and Florence M. (Basgall) Koerner. On May 26, 1962 he married Mary Jane Buttman in Munjor. He was a graduate of Hays High School and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Munjor and the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council #11492, Munjor.
He worked as a carpenter, tile setter, oil field roustabout, and retired as a labor supervisor at Gross Memorial Coliseum, on the campus of Fort Hays State University, where he had worked since it opened in 1974. He coordinated many big events in the Coliseum, including concerts, farm shows, and graduations. He was on the volunteer fire department for 17 years and was fire chief for several years. He volunteered his time and talent in the St. Francis church yard and the St. Francis Cemetery. He enjoyed woodworking, making toys for his grandchildren, painting pictures, gardening, and fishing. He was an avid Kansas City Royals and Denver Broncos fan.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane of the home, a son Steven L. Koerner, Hays, a daughter Brenda Windholz and husband Mark, Hays, a brother Kevin Koerner and wife Geri, Hays, five sisters; Ida Mae Gottschalk, Galesville, WI, Rose Anne Jacobs, Hays, Nora Koelsch and husband Jim, Clearwater, KS, Karen Bieker, Hays, and Colleen Camarata and husband Dr. Joseph, Overland Park, KS, a sister in law Judy (Koerner) Smith, Hays, eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and six step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Nancy Faye Austin, a granddaughter Julie Windholz, a brother Richard M. Koerner, and three brothers in law; Tom Bieker, Glenn Philleps, and James Jacobs.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Inurnment will be at a later date in the St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm on Wednesday and from 9:00 until 10:00 am on Thursday all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County, Hospice of Hays Medical Center, or to the church furnace fund, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.