Joseph William Koontz

Joe was born on April 14, 1932, to Joseph and Helen Koontz in Fresno, California. Joe was a graduate of Fresno High School where he was a member of the Senate and attained lifetime membership in the California Scholarship Federation. He attended Fresno State College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and served on the Lamda Chi Alpha board for 39 years. He received the Order of Merit Award in 1982.

Joe was a proud member of the U.S. Army serving stateside during the Korean war, July of 1954 through June of 1956. His rank was SP3 and he worked in the finance department stationed in Washington at Ft. Lewis.

In March of 1960, Joe was granted a certificate entitling him to practice as a Certified Public Accountant. He joined the Practice of James B. McCallum and Company, CPAs, before becoming a partner in the CPA firm Koontz, Scharton and Company. He served as the President of the California Society of CPAs of Fresno County. His career as a CPA spanned over 45 years.

Joe married Carol Patricia Trestrail in 1955. They had four children. Robert Eugene Koontz; Patricia Lynn Hann; Suzanne Carol Spitsen; and Eric William Koontz. After Carol’s passing in 1977, Joe met Kathleen Ann Scheer at his church St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center in 1978. Joe and Kathy were married in 1979. They had a long and happy 46-year marriage before Joe’s passing. Joe and Kathy enjoyed many great travel adventures together around the country and the world with Kauai being a favorite, repeat destination. They had a home in Arizona that gave them a nice retreat from the cold and foggy Fresno winters.

While raising his children, Joe participated in the Indian Maiden/Guide programs, Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls and he was a 4H leader. He liked photography, reading, and watching his many DVDs of favorite movies and TV shows. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center for many years.

Joe was preceded in death by Joseph and Helen Koontz, Carol Trestrail Koontz and Eric William Koontz.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Scheer; children, Robert Koontz (Judy); Patricia Hann (Roger); Suzanne Spitsen (Paul). Grandchildren, Mandy Koontz and Jennifer Koontz Salgado. Great grandchildren, Joey and Jackie Salgado. He is also survived by his loving cats who were by his side giving him loving comfort until the end.

A Funeral Mass will be on January 23, 2026 at 10:00 am, at St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center with Father Bill Lucido officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Peter’s cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to The Cat House on the Kings (cathouseonthekings/donate) or Alzheimer’s Association (https://donerservices.alz.org).