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Gary Koecheler Obituary
Gary Koecheler was awarded the Bronze Star in Vietnam, but few of his friends or acquaintances knew about it until his memorial service last week. He was not the kind of man to brag. He never even told his children what he had done to receive the medal; they still do not know. The son of a railroad worker, Mr. Koecheler, 57, put himself through college and law school and worked at Euro Brokers Inc. He and his wife, Maureen, raised their sons, John and Paul, in Harrison, N.Y., and tried to give them the easy life that he never had. He often teased them by saying that he was a simple man and not a part of the social elite, as they were.
"I love him very much, and I'm proud to be his son," John Koecheler said. "I hope I can step up to the challenge of carrying out his legacy."
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September 12, 2023
Gary, you are always remembered. You are a hero and a gentleman. Rest in Peace.
Jeremy & Tyler Hinson
September 11, 2015
My son's school had a 9/11 remembrance ceremony today. Every child was given a sticker with a name of one of those lost on that terrible day. My son was given the name Gary Edward Koecheler. We researched this name and found this page. We now know the face and a bit of the story of the man behind the name and we send our respects to the family and friends he left behind, and to Mr. Koecheler, may he rest in peace.
Jeff Nelson
May 15, 2014
I will never forget your quirky humor and "tough man" demeanor. You made law school an interesting period in my life. Your class mate and drinking buddy at law school....Jeff
S J. Friscia III
April 19, 2014
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KATHY SCHLOTTERBECK
September 11, 2012
WE REMEMBER RIP
my mom use to deliver newspapers on her route to Gary. I went to the 9/11 memorial today and thought I would bring memories back with me. :)
July 30, 2012
Mike Weeks
September 11, 2011
Gary I was just thinking about you. You were a great friend during our time in Vietnam. You would most likely be retired today as I am.
Larry Kennedy
September 9, 2011
I think about Gary quite a bit. He was one of my first bosses on
the street and a tough one at that. But not so tough that he didn't give you a break. Yea he would bark and when he would get his booming voice going, he would walk to all fours corners of the trading desk. I would quietly say to one of the two Joe's I sat between"Is this going to be a three corner or four corner?" It
was almost always four. But what really sticks out is the way he used to laugh, chin held high with just a slight squint, it was a deep heartfelt laugh that left you chuckling for some time after. That tough guy exterior had a heart that really shined when talking about his family especially his boys or when trying to
lead a young kid in the right direction. He was a good boss but more importantly
even a better Mentor. Koecheler family please know you are in mine and my families prayers. And of course Thank You Gary
Doug Abraham
February 21, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
February 21, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Willard Engelmann
August 29, 2007
I'm very disappointed not to see Gary at our 50th St Joseph's grade school re-union next Spring. I do expect that this re-union will be in Heaven (provided that I ever get there), since it's obviously NOT happening here on earth, and since Gary will cetainly be there. Gary's leadership has always been a guiding light, even to people to who have not been in contact with him for 50 years. My condolences to his wife and family, but I know you will always be proud of him!
Doug Abraham
February 21, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
November 26, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Jim Flynn
September 11, 2003
Maureen, John & Paul,
I continue to pray for you and your family that you may carry through during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you always and my remembrances of your husband and father still shine bright.
Jerry & Dar Sery
September 11, 2003
Dear Maureen, John and Paul--
Wonderful tributes for Gary! Our prayers are with you and all of his family--always.
Gary, our cousin, was in our wedding 40 years ago in Montgomery, MN and we remember him as a special man with that ongoing smile!
All Americans' are diminished with the loss of lives on 9/11. We must keep Gary and all the victims in our memory and keep praying for their families.
Dar and Jerry Sery
Atlanta, GA
Peter & Colette Tinkham
September 11, 2003
We've never met you or any family members ... but God bless all.
Peter Tinkham
Hickory Flat Fire Department
Canton, Ga
Jennifer Bradley
September 11, 2003
John and Paul,
You and your mother are both in my thoughts today...
Jen
Nancy Maiello
September 12, 2002
Dear friends and family of Gary Koecheler- I had the honor to choose a Blue Sprue tree seedling from my church to plant in memory of Gary. I chose a sunny spot in my garden and planted the tree on 9/11/02 with a prayer. I am confident that this tree will grow tall and beautiful. In the future I will design a ceramic plaque to go under the tree with Gary's name on it.I vow to take good care of this tree. I hope this will bring you some peace in your sorrow.
Marc Freed
September 11, 2002
Maureen -
I learned about Gary's death from one of my students, Pete Corritori. He told me that he would be out to attend a funeral in Rye. I causally asked him whose, expecting not to recognize the name. I was crushed to hear that it was for Gary. All the good times we had in the 1980's rushed back into my mind. Gary was someone I could always trust. I think we shared a mutual discomfort with some of the excesses of the Street, even though we appreciated the lives it provided for our families. Based on the little information that I have, I suspect that Gary could have escaped, but probably remained in the building to help others less likely to be able to handle the pressure of the situation. That would have been like him. I keep his NYT Portrait of Grief in my desk, along with those of George and a few other people with whom I worked. I'm so sorry that we won't be able to go out to meet up again for a quiet weekend dinner. I'm back at work in the city again and I went to the WTC site this morning where I wrote Gary's name on a poster at a nearby Church. I'm sure you all miss him more than I can imagine. I have been thinking about you and will continute to do so every day. I hope that you are doing well despite all.
Jon Hartnett
September 11, 2002
John and Paul - Although I never got to meet you Dad I know that he must have been an incredible guy to raise both of you. My thoughts are with you guys daily. Best Regards.
Debbie (Koecheler) Benvenuti
September 8, 2002
Dear Maureen, John & Paul -- It is over 40 years since I had seen my cousin, Gary. I remember my family stopping by to visit on our way to Melrose. Monnie always made my favorite cookies - the chocolate with white icing. Gary was the oldest of all the kids, so he was in charge.(That was quite a job since there was four of them and four of us.) It's terrible that we lost track of each other but since 9/11 my prayers and thoughts have been with you three. You must be very proud of your husband/father. God bless you all.
James Ball
August 28, 2002
Maureen, John, Paul i have done work at you house and met gary only a few times but, he always made me feel like a guest in your home and not a service person. he will stand out in my heart as a real gentleman in every sence of the word..may god be with you n keep you strong
Alexsandra Rokas
May 3, 2002
My condolences to Mr. Koecheler's family and friends. I am also grateful that he went to Vietnam even though it was an un-popular war. I thank him as I do others who went and gave it their best anyway they could. I still cry when I read the list of the dead and view the horror and destruction of that infamous day. May God, or whatever it is to you, give you peace.
Bob Peterson
April 7, 2002
Gary was a high school classmate at Cretin High School in St. PAul Mn. He was a friend to everyone. On behalf of all his classmates I would like to offer condolences to his wife and children. We will all miss him and his great sense of humor. Class of '62 Bob Peterson.
Rachel Phillips
April 6, 2002
I didnt know anyone personally who was lost on that day in September. I was on vacation with my family in North Carolina and I saw it all happen on TV. I watched with my family and I cried and screamed when I saw the buildings falling, I worried about my friends who I knew worked downtown.
When I came back to the city on September 15th, it was different to me. I talked to my friend Colleen and she tod me that John's dad was missing. This was the only person I knew directly who was hurt by the tragedy.
But my heart ached for him. And one Sunday night I was reading through the NY Times, and by chance I recognized the name - Koechler. I read the small biography remembering Gary Koechler, and I started sobbing.
He reminds me of my father, both having fought in Vietman, both having put themselves through law school, never talking about their own troubles or struggles in life. I know my dad has given everything he has to his family, my sisters and me.
It sounds like Mr. Koechler was the same type of person - a great, rare man. I am so sorry that he's gone.
EBI Memorial Website
March 19, 2002
For a more in-depth memorial tribute for Gary and his EBI colleagues lost on 9/11, please also visit:
http://wtc.technologyshoppe.com/
Thank you.
Martin McCormick
March 11, 2002
About a year ago, I finished looking for descendants of my great-great-great grandparents, Frank and Anna Koecheler, who settled near St. Paul, MN in the 19th century with their large family. I noticed how rare the spelling "Koecheler" is today. Then, I saw "Gary Koecheler" on the WTC missing list. It touched me to read about him, another honest Midwesterner in a "Wall Street" atmosphere. I soon realized it was highly likely from my research that he and I are very distant cousins. To a genealogist like me, though, it feels much closer and brought the tragedy home for me.
God Bless Gary and his family.
Glen Woodard
March 10, 2002
I am truly Sorry for your loss.
Billy Jones
March 4, 2002
I had the good fortune to have worked with Gary during the mid-1980s at RMJ Securities. Although we weren't the closest of friends, we would occasionally see each other later on in our careers and compare personal notes and observances.
Gary was not the stereotypical Wall Street broker. He was not flamboyant, excessive, nor egocentric. Gary was from the Mid-West, a lawyer who possessed solid values like honesty, decency, and humility. He was hard-working and relentless in an industry that often would unfairly reward style over substance. Despite some frustrating moments, Gary always kept plugging.
Gary was also as smart as he was competitive. He could easily see through deceit and pretention, and would skillfully wield his acerbic wit like a rapier whenever challenged.
What stands out most when I reflect upon Gary's time with us, is how he never forgot to mention something positive about his boys during our conversations. He was extremely proud of Johnny and Paul, not just for their accomplishments, but mostly for the lessons they were learning about life. In typical self-deprecating fashion, Gary would credit Maureen's superior parenting skills, rather than his own, as the reason for their success.
I still find myself laughing at comments Gary made 17 years ago, always delivered with a pained, quizzical expression but ultimately followed by a deep, hearty laugh. Gary was one of the "good guys" who passed through my life, and like he did for so many other people, added value that cannot be calculated nor ever duplicated. Thank you, Gary.
'Til we meet again,
Billy Jones
February 14, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN GARY KOECHELER.MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND ALL THE VIET NAM VETS..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
John Wessel
February 2, 2002
We both grew up in West St. Paul, MN. Played basketball & football together. Attended St. Joseph's Grade School and Cretin High School, which at that time was an all boy's school. I have attended several Cretin class reunions and several of us would discuss the where abouts of Gary. Know one one seemed to know where he went after law school.
My sister Katie still lives in West St. Paul. She see's Gary's mother and fly's with Gary's sister at Northwest Airlines.
I was visitng an elderly relative in Minnesota in December of 2000. My sister mentioned that Gary's father was also a resident. I sat and talked with Mr. Koecheler and asked where Gary was. His response was "he is between jobs". The mystery remained in place. My sister later informed me that Mr. Koecheler pasted away in Feb. of 2001.
Other than the NY Times article I have no information about Gary since he finished law school at the University of Minnesota. Our 40th class reunion is scheduled for later this year. If anyone can provide me with a brief biography of Gary's life I will share it with his classmates at our 40th reunion.
My condolences to Gary's wife, sons and the Koecheler family in Minnesota. Our prayers are with you.
Regards - John Wessel
e-mail address: [email protected]
Alan Matchinsky
January 12, 2002
Just a brief comment on the wonderful young man that I remember when he spent time visiting his Grandma Koecheler and family in Melrose, Minnesota.
Gary was about half-way between me and my older brother Jim, but played with all of us, especially when he was visiting his cousin Tom Weber, who lived two doors from us.
Grandma Koecheler (a most marvelous Grandma, and friend to all of us kids in the neighborhood) lived four doors the other direction.
Gary comes from a most beautiful collection of people. It is such a sad loss for all of us people left behind, that he is now rejoicing in the sight of God along with his ancestors and many friends.
God Bless to Maureen and kids.
Alan and Karen Matchinsky
[email protected]
Mark Smith
December 30, 2001
A picture hangs on my office wall taken on September 8 of 12 boys about to embark on a season of youthful soccer. Their yellow uniforms are clean and their smiles are wide. It is unimagineable what would happen three short days later and how the events would touch us through a young relative of Mr. Koecheler. May the new year bring the Koecheler families the joy and happiness that they greatly deserve.
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Gary. May his life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Deacon Micheal & Rebecca Koecheler
December 22, 2001
Over the years, I have longed to search out and find more of my relatives. Hours have been spent asking questions and checking records with little or no success. In a twisted and tragic way, Sept 11th hit the depths of my heart in a way I could not of imagined. Headline reads..."Gary Koecheler among the missing"
Since there are, only a handful of people with the last name of "Koecheler" my sorrow is that I may have missed the opportunity to meet and get to know a great person/relative.
If there could be any brightness in this time of darkness, possibly it can come in knowing that my family and I have been praying for, in a special way, for the Koecheler family we hope to meet someday.
May the God, who is master of bringing good out of evil, bring comfort and peace to your broken hearts in this time of anguish.
Deacon Michael & Rebecca Koecheler
Katie Haynes
December 12, 2001
I only met Mr. Koecheler a few times, but I know his life was always filled with a lot of laughter. The Koechler family and our family now share the horrific reality that we both lost someone we loved on that dreadful day. They are in my prayers everyday and I feel honored that my brother died in the company of such a man. May they both rest in peace.
All my love, Katie
Judith & Chuck Koecheler
October 25, 2001
We are proud to be a part of this great heroes past.
Jim and Rose Matchinsky
October 24, 2001
Dear Maureen, John, Paul and Koechler family,
I grew up just up the street from the Koechler family and remember well the fun Gary and I, along with the other Riverside Runting Roaving River Rat's, had playing together during their frequent summer visits to Melrose. This was long ago, late 40's and 50's.
I can see him with his crew cut, freckels doting his nose being a small but tough playmate. Monica was good to us (Ed and Chuck were family friends of my aunts and uncles, the Flock's and Matchisky's)and always invited us over or sent Gary over to our house. This made for a natural relationship. Grandma Koechler always had the best cookies and peanut butter and honey bread.. Mummmm my first taste!
We knew Gary was a special friend because he just fit in as though he was part of the neighborhood.
I've thought often of him over the years, always getting an update from Dorothy and Joe, but sad that we had not seen each other for more than 40 years.. maybe 50!
May GOD Bless your families and help you through this most difficult time. Since this tragedy, and reading about Gary's life and accomplishes, you all must be very proud and are truely blessed. ++
Jim and Penny Chirhart
October 24, 2001
Maureen, John and Paul:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you every day!
Wendy
October 23, 2001
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Stephen Kusmierczak
October 4, 2001
Maureen, John and Paul,
We wish you strength and comfort in your grieving.
Stephen and Stephanie Kusmierczak
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
GARY MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Peter Townley
September 22, 2001
With love.
The Townley Family.
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