Dead leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal

We can still remember well how we met Willi in Gehlenberg. It was only a short time, but we remember him as a personable person.

Sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy

Agnes und Egon Heibült


To the Koesters family, 
So very sorry to hear of Willi’s passing .  I remember him as a very kind and thoughtful person.  A favorite childhood memory is how much fun all the Koesters, Thoben and Chancellor kids had hunting Easter eggs on granddaddy’s (uncle Ben) farm in Middletown.  Even one year in the snow.   I hope your memories bring you peace and some comfort at this difficult time.  

I was fortunate to play with Willi on the soccer fields of my youth. Many years later our paths crossed again at Paul Schultz. He was one of the most talented photographers that I have had the pleasure of working with. He is truly loved and will not be forgotten by those who knew him. Rest in peace.

Dear Lucynda and family, 

Our sincere condolences.
We wish you much strength in this difficult time.
A silent greeting

Family 
Anja und Hans Behnen

I am so saddened to hear of  Willi’s passing. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Once a Cougar...Always a Cougar.

Growing up, I always looked forward to my annual summer visits to Louisville. Those days were full of games, laughter, and exploration - and Uncle Will was always a fixture of them. I recall that Uncle Will introduced me both to the idea of a practical joke and to the beautiful game of soccer. While I have mixed feelings to this day about practical jokes, soccer has become an integral part of who I am. It has led to lifelong friendships and an outlet that keeps me healthy. Playing soccer with Uncle Will and Nick was the first time I realized you don't have to throw or hit a ball - you can just kick it. And I've never looked back. Thank you, Uncle Will for sharing so many fun times.

I am so saddened to hear about Willi’s death. He was always so nice to me as far back as I can remember. Every Easter I think about our family gatherings out at the farm and those memories are so special. My prayers are with you. Ronnie Chancellor.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Koesters family at this most difficult time.
I also met Willi through soccer. For several seasons I played against him, but we ended up playing together on the Strikers. It was much better being on the same team, and not merely because Willi was such a magnificent player, which he was, but also because we became friends. And this friendship is one that I benefited from and will always remember, for Willi, in soccer and life, was one that gave more than he took. 
Rest easy, brother.



Paul and Marianne Cooper extend our sincerest sympathy to all the Koesters' family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Will's dad worked together as bricklayers and as members of Holy Trinity.

To the Koesters family, 

We are saddened to hear of Willi's passing.  He was a very kind and enjoyable spirit to be around.  I consider Willi a friend and will be sorely missed.  Willie and the Koester family will be in our prayers.

Regards,
Mark Hubbs & family

To the Koesters Family
When I think of Will, I see a man of integrity, love, joy, and talent.  Images arise such as family devotion, faith, photography, soccer, maroon TR6, Cat Stevens, nature, a beautiful smile, kindness, and gentleness. Will was truly a great man from a wonderful, loving and happy family who will be missed.  My heart goes out to you for your loss.   

I have a few photos that I wanted to share online, however could not upload since they were in the wrong format.  I texted them to Jim C, so hopefully he can share them with you.   There is a really sweet one of Will and Mary Kay, a couple of excellent ones of Will in nature on a backpacking trip, and one of the soccer team at an event.   

I hope you all are staying safe during this difficult time.

With love and respect, 
Donna Baird Lawrence

Offering my prayers and my condolences to the Koesters family,
Sincerely,  Carol DeMuth

My love and condolences to all the Koesters family! There are so many memories from the time Willi first came to the US . 
I will always remember him as a gentle man with strong principles. He did many good things in a quiet way. He loved his family and was faithful to his friends. 
Willi, we will miss you!

I met Will in 1978 when I took an engineering job in Louisville.  We became best friends as we shared our love of photography. He affected my photography just by being Will. Even after I moved to NY, our friendship was maintained for these 42 years.  My wife and I will miss him.

Willi was a soccer icon when I first met him.  He was the top defender and leader of the Tyler Park Soccer Club.  I was just starting my soccer career on the newly formed "junior'Tyler Park SC.  Willi was quiet, calm, focused and competitive....and yeah, really talented.  I was fortunate to continue to play with him later on the Strikers Soccer Club where we traveled around the midwest playing top amateur teams and having a ball.  I played midfield, and he played sweeper, meaning that if I lost the ball, he frequently was there---stopping an attack and taking down an opponent with his patented slide tackle.  He always  had my back. That was a huge comfort.   That's how I remember Willi as a player and as a friend.  Steady, calm, reliable....a good man.  We will miss him.  


My condolences to the family. I played soccer with Willi on Tyler Park Soccer Club, the first and only youth soccer team in Louisville at the time. We were probably both 15 years old or so.  We actually played college teams because there were no other youth soccer teams in the region.   I am glad that I played with him because when we played against him (Atherton HS vs Trinity HS), I could never get around him.  He was quiet on the field and let his foot do the talking. If he took you down, he would help you up!  A fine gentleman at that young age.  I am sorry that I did not know him in adulthood and I'm sure that was my loss.  Harry Mobley, Ann Arbor, MI

Willi attended Holy Trinity with me and Trinity. Willi’s birthday party was the first one I ever attended in Louisville I think maybe 1958 or 9. Willi was always a nice person. I had not seen him in many years but have many fond memories of Willi. I always liked Willi’s parents. My mother was a war bride from France so I really identified with Willi and his parents. I remember so well the house on Hubbard’s   

Rest well Willi and please remember our time as friends. Prayers for you your family and friends. 

Gerard O’Connell

Willi hired me in 94 as the Stylist for the Abbey Press account. Worked many years with him and got to know Lucy and his kids and watching them grow up. Willi taught me a lot in the business and over the years not only working together but becoming good friends. Willi did like to pull pranks on people and can still see him laughing about it. One day the company had a cookout and as we were all sitting around the table someone next to me dropped something and asked me to pick it up. As I was coming back up suddenly everyone at the table had a black and white paper image of me up to their faces. It was the funniest thing. Hey nothing wrong with seeing ones face everywhere. Thanks Willi for being a friend and making me laugh so many times. 

I have known Willi for probably 45 years. He was one of my early mentors and idols on the soccer field and we later became teammates on the Louisville Strikers Soccer Team.   Everyone in the soccer community respected Willi's defensive skill set and on the field leadership.  Down the road, Willi and I coached our sons' team at Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club and later cheered them on from the Trinity HS stands.  What always struck me about Willi was he so impactful on those around them -- but with such humility and kindness.  I am attaching a Louisville Strikers photo from about 40 years ago taken immediately after a tournament finals somewhere near Wichita KS.

Please accept our sincere condolences at the loss of your husband, father & friend. I have fond memories of Willi from my years of working with him. He was always calm and professional at work, and a kind, friendly presence in all circumstances. I know he will be remembered with respect and love. Lucinda, best wishes to you and your family.  - Sandy & Ed Gudorf

Sending warm memories of St. Marys field trips and speech tournaments with Will and Lucy for Andrea and Nick. We are so very saddened for your devastating loss. Our deepest condolences. Most sincerely, the Jakoby Family. Gary, Kris, Elle , Jordan, & Megan.

Willi and I worked together at the same photography studio some 25 years ago. Our manager (A.J.) would always tell me how much he wished that I had Willi’s organizational skills. Must have been the German in him? Kelly and I are saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lucynda and her family.

Willi and I have been friends and soccer teammates since I was 14 and he was 18. He was a mentor, friend and a fabulous human being.
I learned a lot from him about soccer and also about controlling your emotions during a game. (I didn't ALWAYS use what Willi taught me).

I will never forget him.

Steve Huber

OBITUARY

Willi Hans Koesters

December 15, 1952 – April 11, 2020

Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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