Bonnie Koestner

KOESTNER, Bonnie, Bonnie Koestner, a resident of Richmond, VA enjoyed a long career as a pianist and chorus master for professional opera companies, followed by a second career as a professor of opera at her alma mater of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. She loved to travel, especially to Italy and was a highly dedicated teacher and musical coach. Born in Chicago, IL on November 4, 1950 and raised in Skokie, IL by parents Robert and Pearl Koestner, she is survived by her brother Bruce Koestner; his children, Alison Shoemaker, Marty Koestner and Evan Koestner; plus a large group of wonderfully loving and supportive friends. Bonnie found peace from pancreatic cancer on December 3, 2023. Tax deductible donations are suggested to be made in your name, specifically dedicated in Bonnie's memory to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Att: Alice Baker, chief advancement officer, 1800 Lakeside Av., Richmond, VA 23228 or at https://www.lewisginter.org/support/give.