Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Koelzer, Gerald "Jerry" William March 24, 2005
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K T bluewolf@onemain.com March 30, 2005, 1:32 am

The Bakersfield Californian 
Gerald Koelzer
July 31, 1923 - March 24, 2005

Services: Friday, April 1, 1:00 p.m. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be said Friday, April 1, 2005, at Our Lady of 
Perpetual Help Catholic Church, at 1:00 p.m., for Gerald Koelzer, 81, who 
passed away on March 24, 2005. Interment will be private at Hillcrest Cemetery.

On March 24, 2005, our father, Jerry Koelzer, reached for the wing of his 
angel that took him to his final resting place and a happy reunion with his 
beloved wife, Josie.

In Seneca, Kansas, on July 31, 1923. The first son and second child, Gerald 
William Koelzer, was born to Gladys and Matt Koelzer. Five siblings were to 
follow and they all soon learned the importance of hard work, laughter and 
togetherness. Jerry attended grammar school and part of high school in Kansas, 
then the family moved to Bakersfield to begin a new life in California. Jerry 
enrolled in East Bakersfield High School where he excelled in Basketball. The 
shy boy from Kansas was attracted to the vivacious Josie Brand and their 60 
plus year union together began.

Like so many others, Jerry answered the call to duty and joined the U.S. Army 
during World War II. He spent his time overseas in Burma, India and returned 
safely to his family and Josie. They were married on February 16, 1946 and to 
that union four children were born.

For 25 years, Jerry worked as a Diesel Mechanic at Farm Implement and Engine. 
The last seven years before his retirement, at age 65, he was employed by 
Layne Western. The remainder of his life was spent doing what he enjoyed most-
endless trips to the Pismo House and being a number one Papa to his devoted 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Our father was known as a man of few words, but with a keen sense of humor and 
the master of one-liners. We thank him for his example, his support and never 
ending supply of love.

Survivors include sons, Robert (Marsha), Joe (Eileen), Matt (Pam) all of 
Bakersfield; daughter, Geraldine Toovey of Nampa, Idaho; brothers, Carrol and 
Cy Koelzer, Bakersfield; sisters, Maxine Shade, Sacramento, CA, Norma Newdoll, 
Grover Beach, CA; and Mary Ann Smith, Bakersfield; 10 grandchildren and 10 
great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank nurse Carrie for the extra care and concern she 
gave to our Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American 
Heart Association.

Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.


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