Norbert ""Bert"" A. Koller

A farewell to a gentle soul. Norbert ""Bert"" Koller passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday April 7th, 2011, following a brief illness. Bert was born on April 4th, 1922 in Auburndale, WI to Louis F. Koller and Mary H. (nee Singer) Koller. He grew up in the Marshfield area before going off to serve his country in World War II, as a Sergeant in the 1040th Army Air Force. He had many fond memories of his military days and always had a twinkle in his eye when he reminisced about that time in his life.

After completing his service he attended the University of Wisconsin where he earned his degree from the School of Business. He settled in Madison to pursue his passion working in Investment Securities, which he worked at for over 60 years, finally retiring at 81.

Bert married his college sweetheart, Joyce Forsmo, on September 8, 1951 and together they raised five daughters. He knew he was outnumbered by females but he loved his girls and took it all in stride.

He had long-term involvement with several groups in service to Church and community. He was committed to the Knights of Columbus on several levels. He was a past Grand Knight and proudly served in the Honor Guard. On the lighter side he joined their clown group and participated in many parades around the state. His kids loved showing off their Dad in his clown suit and accompanied him on many of his trips. He had also been involved with St. Paul's University Catholic Church - Newman Center, The Elks BPOE, and Father Campion's Apostolate for the Handicapped.

As a long time member of Queen of Peace Parish, he was a regular usher and available for other needs of the Church.

Bert is survived by his immediate family: Joyce (his wife of 59 years), and daughters: Elizabeth Koller M.D., Anne Koller, Pat Koller, Mary Koller-Sperle (Doug) and Joan Koller-Pine (Dennis). A sister Betty Fahey and a brother Richard Koller (Connie) also survive him, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Louis and Mary, two brothers: Joseph and Clarence Koller, and five sisters: Margaret, Catherine and Mary Koller, Rita Heinzen and Florence Esp.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 405 S. Owen Drive, Madison, on Friday April 15th, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Thursday, April 14th, 2011 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the mass.

The Koller family would like to extend our most sincere thanks to all the Dean/St. Mary's Physicians who participated in Bert's diagnosis and care, to the wonderful staff of St. Mary's Five Southwest Nursing Unit who provided him with tender loving care and humor during his stay there, to the Hospice Staff who were ever so diligent in helping us
bring him home where he wanted to be, and lastly to the many friends of the family who offered their help and prayers during this difficult time. Everyone involved played a role of importance. We will remember that kindness always.

Memorials can be made to HospiceCare, Apostolate for the Handicapped, Queen of Peace or the charity of your choice.

Bert, you are forever in our hearts.