John Dana Koontz Jr., Our beloved father and one of the coolest dudes on the planet passed away on January 4, 2021 after a courageous 10 week battle with cancer. The eldest of three brothers, "Dane" was born in February 25, 1943 to the late Colonel John D. "Skipper" Koontz and Helen Wood "Heidi" Koontz while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. He was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, LA. He was a thinker, a watcher, a Harley rider, a music lover, and a huge Blue Angels fan - never missing the summer air show in Pensacola. He was kind to all, genuinely interested in everything and everyone. Dane had a calm steady presence in every situation from celebrations to challenges. Usually quiet and reserved, Dane's style was to drop a one liner that made everyone laugh. And he did that throughout his entire life. Dane was a 1961 graduate of Baton Rouge High School where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, the late Merle Babin Koontz. After attending Louisiana State University, he began a lifelong career at Esso/Exxon in the petroleum products laboratory and retired in 2000. Dane and Merle celebrated 50 years of marriage before she passed in 2016. Together they enjoyed decades of cherished family moments raising their three children (Johnnie, Duke and Jackie) and were ever-present for vacations, birthday celebrations, graduations, weddings, and the births of their grandchildren. Surrounded by love, he is survived by his three children John Dana Koontz III and spouse Jodi Schenk Koontz, James Duke Koontz and spouse Kristy Begnaud Koontz, and Jacquelyn Koontz Triche and spouse Jason Triche. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Taylor Koontz, Phoebe Koontz, Asa Triche and spouse Christen, Jacob Triche, Levi Triche, Duke Koontz Jr and Ashton Koontz. He is also survived by two brothers, Steve T Koontz and wife Cheryl, Guy C Koontz and his wife Bobbi. The family has peace in knowing that he is once again with his beloved Merle. We are grateful for the doctors, nurses, and support professionals who were giving, kind, and proactive with his care. A celebration of his life is planned for Thursday January 14, 2021 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home at 825 Government St Baton Rouge, 70802. Visitation is from 3-5 pm, followed by a brief memorial ceremony at 5 pm. Due to COVID restrictions at the venue, we respectfully request all visitors to observe local safety regulations by wearing a mask. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your charity of choice or MD Anderson Cancer Research Center https://gifts.mdanderson.org/.
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I am so very sorry to belatedly learn of Dane's death. He and Merle and Johnny, Duke, and Jackie were my lifelong neighbors. Even after I moved away, I loved keeping in touch and visiting with Merle and Dane. They were most supportive after my mom died and I always appreciated their love and support. All my condolences and love and support to Johnny, Duke, and Jackie and the entire family. Dane was a special guy, I will always miss.
James "Bud" Babin
Friend
July 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Glad I got to know all of you through Ms. Heidi. My prayers are with you.
Sonia Clark
Friend
January 15, 2021
Dana really was one of the coolest guys around. I couldn't agree more with the obit the family wrote. Everyone at the Exxon lab liked and respected him. He always came up with the sometimes odd but always original comment on whatever we all discussed. I enjoyed talking music with him.He was one of a kind. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Bob Turner
Coworker
January 15, 2021
Dana and I worked together at Exxon in the QAL lab. My condolences to the family. He was a wonderful man.
Dorothy Doggette
Dorothy Doggette
Coworker
January 14, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Dane. A great man indeed! Sending our love, Tara, Duke, Jr. and Ashton.
Tara Cone
January 14, 2021
Dear Koontz Family,
I was in school with Dana from Dufrocq Elementary through LSU. My primary recollection of Dana is his kind and gentle heart. Dana, along with his parents and brothers, was always so nice to be around. I only met Merle a few times, mostly at BRHS reunions, but even under those brief circumstances I can say that Dana "chose very wisely".
My sincere condolences to the Koontz Family during this time of loss.
Steve Lagarde
Old friend
Stephen Lagarde
Friend
January 14, 2021
So sorry to hear was hoping to hear the road stories, RIP let us know if god rides a Harley ! Ride on Brother
John Peake
Friend
January 14, 2021
John Peake
Friend
January 14, 2021
I worked with Dana in the QA Lab for several years and always enjoyed talking with him. He loved his family and I know he will be missed. God bless you and help you get through this trying time.
David M Matlosz
Coworker
January 14, 2021
Jessica and Jeff Cowart
January 13, 2021
Guy and Bobbie
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stephanie Cain
Friend
January 12, 2021
Brittany Tully
January 11, 2021
Duke, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad . My Prayers and Heartfelt Condolences are with you and you Family.
Darryl Daigle
Friend
January 11, 2021
Dana and I started at Exxon, Esso at that time in '65, and worked together for almost 28 years when I retired. He was one of the nicest fellow workers I knew. I was very sorry to see his obit. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Larry Braud
Coworker
January 11, 2021
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Jan
14
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Jan
14
5:00 p.m.
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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