Name: Visitation for Thomas P. "Tom" Koontz
Start: 2019-01-28T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-01-28T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Rejoice Lutheran Church

Thomas "Tom" P. Koontz

Clearwater - After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease, Thomas Koontz, age 76, passed away on January 20, 2019 at Lakeside Oasis Hospice House in Buffalo, MN.

Tom was born to John and Harriet (Kordash) Koontz in 1942. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn of 53 years; two daughters, Kristine (John) and Jennifer (Braden); four grandchildren, Hannah, Ella, Finlay, and Theo; brother, Bob (Debra); and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Jackie and Susan.

Tom graduated from East Rockford High School, Rockford, Illinois. He attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, receiving a BS degree in Education. He then went on to receive an MS degree in Secondary Education from Rockford College, Rockford, Illinois.

Tom taught US History at East Rockford High School and at Apollo High School in St. Cloud, MN. He was a boy's swim coach at both high schools. He also taught social studies and geography at South Junior High School and Technical High School in St. Cloud. He retired in 2001 after 36 years of teaching.

Tom and his family enjoyed a hobby farm for 20 years and also lake life for 25 years. Tom especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his beloved English Springer Spaniel, Emma.

He was very active at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater, MN. For 12 years his passion was to coordinate and participate in the Men's Mexico Mission Trips to Children's Haven International in Reynosa, Mexico.

A Memorial Service for Tom will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 28, 2019 at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Pastor Marlene Elmstrom will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Clear Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Rejoice Lutheran Church. On the memo line, please indicate General Fund, Mortgage Fund, or Children's Haven International Sponsorship Fund.

The family wants to thank the entire staff at Lakeside Oasis, Buffalo, MN and Guardian Angels/Cassia in Elk River, MN for the compassionate and loving care that Tom received.

Obituary, guestbook and video tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Cloud Times on Jan. 22, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Koontz

Sponsored by Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes.

11 Entries

April 10, 2019

Dear Mrs. Koontz,
I have posted on Rockford East High school website remembering the days I spent at Rockford East until I graduated in 1970. The most wonderful and caring teachers that I have ever remembered was Mr. Koontz. He was so compassionate and left a lasting memory for me to emulate! I am now a Nurse Practitioner and try to carry on with what I learned both from my God, my parents, and my teachers such as Mr. Koontz. May you find peace knowing he made a lasting impression that is paid forward to what he shared with us. Sincerely, Beth Beck

Roxanne Schaaf

January 27, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru this very difficult time without the love of your life by your side. May your faith, family and friends help you in the journey of loss. I always liked seeing his smile at church.

Dave & Miriam Beam

January 26, 2019

Marilyn, Kris & Jen, Our Love & thoughts to you & the four beautiful Grand kids. we join you in missing Tom already. He & I shared a wonderful day with Finlay & Theo enjoying our shared Grandfathership with lots of laughs & Joys, being led to all the local park playgrounds . A good man with a good sense of Life. Dave & Miriam too.

Sheila Ballweg-Pulju

January 25, 2019

I really enjoyed working with Tom for many years at South Junior High. He was an amazing teacher. He always had this wonderful smile and sparkle in his eyes as shown in his picture!! Thinking of you at this sad time and wishing you moments of peace. With sympathy on your measurable loss!!! Be assured of my prayers for Tom, his family and friends!!

Lucy Carlson

January 25, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lynn Joubert

January 23, 2019

He was a wonderful teacher and coworker. He will truly be missed. May he Rest In Peace.

January 23, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time of your life please read John 6:40

Cheryl Towler Krichbaum

January 22, 2019

I have fond memories of Mr. Koontz and his social studies class at Tech. He was a good man. I enjoyed reading about his missions work! My condolences to Kris and the whole family. ~Cheryl Towler, Class of '88

Julia Jennissen Konz

January 22, 2019

Tom was such a good man. Peace to you, Marilyn, and the rest of your family. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May good memories give you comfort.

Steve and Vicki DiBrito

January 22, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tom was a wonderful teacher and was so very proud of his family. We have many fond memories with Tom at South Junior High which we will treasure always.

Karen Erickson

January 22, 2019

Tom had a smile that just made you happy, appreciated and wanted to be around him. When I worked with him, I could feel his compassion, patience and strength for life. God bless all the loved ones during this time.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results