Frederick A. Fred Koester

Fred A. Koester, originally of Genoa, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2018, at his home in Northwood after a lengthy battle with cancer. Fred was born in Toledo on May 5, 1942, to Dorothy and Fred O. Koester. He grew up in Genoa and graduated from Genoa High School in 1960, where he was an All Northern Lakes League athlete in football, basketball and track. He discovered football was his true passion and excelled in the sport. In 1959 Fred was named Most Valuable Lineman. It was at Genoa High School that he met the love of his life, Karen, whom he later married. Upon high school graduation, Fred’s talent and grueling training earned him a walk-on position on the Bowling Green State University’s football team. He lettered under Coach Doyt Perry and helped them to win two MAC Championships in 1961 and 1962. Fred completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and was quickly hired to teach science at Eastwood Junior High School. During his 15 years at Eastwood, he served as an assistant coach under Ed Barney and helped to guide the Eagles to an NLL Championship in 1966. He then became the head football coach in 1968 and advanced the Eagles to two SLL Championships in 1974 and 1977. During his 1977 coaching season, Fred led Eastwood to a perfect 10-0 season and was voted SLL Coach of the Year as well as voted Class AA Northwest Ohio District Coach of the Year. During the summers of 1967-1969, Fred completed his Masters Degree in Biology from Ball State University. In 1980 he moved on to Rossford. He taught Junior High science and after earning his Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Toledo, Fred took the Junior High School principal position in 1984. But, after several years, he returned to the classroom to rekindle his love to teach. He also served as an assistant defensive coordinator coach for 17 years. Fred assisted Tom Ferguson and the Bulldogs to four NLL Championships and six state playoff berths. In addition, he coached with Tom in four Perrysburg All-Star Games (1991, 1997, 2006, 2008). Fred devoted 32 years to teaching and coaching to many area students and proved to be a major influence and extraordinary role in their lives. Throughout his 32 years of coaching at Eastwood and Rossford , he worked with 16 All-State players and 11 National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar Athletes. Fred was an amazingly caring, fair and well respected teacher and coach. He taught and coached with patience and demanded respect. Fred’s presence, not only in stature, was “larger than life,” in addition to his voice, smile, handshake and back slap. He tackled everything he attempted to the fullest and to the best of his ability. Fred was a man of his word and exemplified the impeccable values and principals he cherished. He exuded dignity, class, honor and integrity to the end. red was honored with inductions into the Genoa Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Eastwood Hall of Fame in 2016. Since his retirement in 1996, he has helped build the home in which he and his wife of 53 years have resided for the last 20 years. Fred loved to eat and all things food. He amazed everyone with the capacity that he could consume. This inspired Fred to cultivate a passionate interest in cooking and to perfect many of his favorite recipes. Still a scientist at heart, he measured each ingredient to perfection with no deviation. Retirement also afforded him the opportunity to spend much of his time with his grandson, Mitchell. Fred and Karen enjoyed traveling to beautiful and fascinating destinations with friends of over 50 years. Fred was a fervent Ohio State Buckeyes football fan and loved nothing more than to watch the Buckeyes play. He had a room in his basement man cave filled with Ohio State memorabilia and countless photos and articles throughout the years. He relished the fortune of meeting the OSU coaches while attending Buckeyes games in Columbus. He also loved the Green Bay Packers since the early years and decorated another room filled with Packers memorabilia. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Dorothy. Fred is survived by his wife Karen; daughters, Kara (Sherry) Koester of Montrose, CO and Kami (Steve) Claus of Curtice ; grandson, Mitchell Claus; sisters, Kay (John) Eberth of Genoa and Linda Younker (Ken) of Gibsonburg; brother, Jim (Sue) Koester of Collingwood, TN; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express our gratitude to the excellent care that Fred received from Dr. Mark Naduad , Dr. Timothy Kasunic, Dr. Mirza Baig and staff, in addition to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Visitation for Fred will be 2-8 p.m., Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2018, at St. Johns United Church of Christ, Genoa, with burial to follow in Clay Township Cemetery. The family has suggested memorials to be directed to St. Johns United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St., Genoa, OH 43430; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551. “Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.” - Vince Lombardi