Mr Waldo H Koller

"Wally"

Waldo "Wally" H. Koller passed away on March 18, 2011, at the age of 93. He had a great sense of humor and positive attitude about life until the very end. He was a dog lover and if man's best friends had a choice, they would live with Wally. He was a great golfer and now it's time for him to play the back nine. Wally was born on April 25, 1917, in Salt Lake City, to Georg and Wilhelmine Koller. He was the youngest of six children. His parents were immigrants from Hanover, Germany. Wally grew up in Salt Lake and was a graduate of East High School. He joined the Navy in 1941 at the outbreak of World War II, serving stateside at Mare Island, California. He married Bernice Smith in the Salt Lake Temple on February 14th, 1941. Following his discharge, the family relocated in Salt Lake, where Wally eventually began a career with the Veterans' Administration as a personnel officer. Wally had several passions and talents in his life, to each of which he applied the highest standards and achievement. As a tennis player, he won several tournaments competing with younger players. Tennis gave way to golf, which became a life-long love. Wally carried a single digit handicap for years as a member of Oakridge County Club. He joined the Salt Lake Country Club in 1991. Wally was a master craftsman and perfectionist in everything he did, from restoring antique cars to building and refurbishing beautiful wood furniture. His 1915 Model T Coupelet won Best-of-Show in a Utah Concours d' Elegance competition. His 1922 Model T Ford Touring Car also won recognition. He was a strict taskmaster on himself, insisting on the highest standards of workmanship, regardless of time or effort required. When pursuing their own creative endeavors, his daughters have adopted this priceless legacy. Wally's final consuming interest was a love of learning which he was able to nurture through extensive travel. In 1981, Wally and Bernice took a three-month world tour in which they visited five continents and accumulated enough stories to last the rest of their lives. Their family members, ready to pack their bags at a moments' notice, also share this enthusiasm. Wally was preceded in death by Bernice, his wife of 66 years, and is survived by five daughters: Mary Anne (Le Grand Andersen), Karolynn (Jim Braden), Kim (Steve Butler), Keri (Mark Samuels), Kristin (Brad Nielson); six grandsons, seven granddaughters, nine great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters. We wish to extend our deep gratitude to the Millcreek Home Health and Hospice and to the staff and management of East Millcreek Assisted Living. A special hug and thanks to Emily for her expert care of our dad, and us, during this time. Funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to www.utahpets.org