William (Bill) LeRoy Koester died June 8, 2013, at his Killeen, Texas, residence. He was born April 8, 1933, in Zap, N.D., to Roy and Florence (Pulver) Koester.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army at an early age and served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He retired after 20 years of distinguished service. After retirement from the service, he lived and worked in Coeur d’Alene.

Several years later the family moved to Texas where he made his home in Killeen after civilian retirement.

He was an active member of the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Among his many pastimes, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and four-wheeling.

While stationed in Germany, William met and married Anna Schnell. Anna preceded him in death.

He is survived by their seven children: Sons, William and wife Donna; Robert and his wife Brenda; and John and his wife Valerie; and daughters Silvia and her husband Virgil; Karen and her husband Henry; Ramona and her husband Robert; and Angela and her husband, Larry.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Eva; stepdaughters, Barbara, Kellie and her husband Spike; stepsons Roy and Maurice; brothers, Roy, Bruce, Earl and Martin; sisters Kathy, Lenora, Lucille, Alice and Doris; 24 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial was at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery followed by a memorial in Killeen, Texas. A commemorative event will be held in Coeur d’Alene. Memorial gifts may be sent to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250-0301 or given to any VFW.