Robert Koonze

Robert Byron Koonze, born on July 29, 1927 in Long Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014 surrounded by his family. Bob loved his home state of Minnesota. He was so proud of growing up and getting his education there. Go Gophers! After spending time on his education, he proudly enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He moved to California and began working at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, where he worked in production control for 35 years until his retirement. Shortly after moving west, he met and married the love of his life, Viola. To their surprise they had grown up only towns apart back in Minnesota. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. They bought their home in Fremont, California in 1955, a beautiful place to raise their 4 children: Doug, Nancy, Karen, and Tim. With immediate and extended family living so close, he was blessed enough to share memorable holidays and celebrations, year after year. Bob lived each day to the fullest, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. His enthusiasm for travel was shared with Viola and passed to the rest of their family. In his spare time he enjoyed days of hunting and fishing, a passion he expressed with his remarkable story telling. He was active in his children and grandchildren's lives, instilling his zest for life. Robert was preceded in death by his children Karen and Tim. He is survived by his wife Viola, son Doug, daughter Nancy, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Jeff, Jennifer, Alyssa, Travis, and 3 great-grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to a visitation Thursday, Oct. 23rd from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. held at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 24th at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations may be made in his honor to the Dominican Mission Foundation 2506 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94115