By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Paul Koelzer
56562a.jpg
56562a
A Celebration of Life service was held Dec. 2 at Turlock Funeral Home Chapel for Paul Koelzer, 86, of Hughson. He died Nov. 25, 2009.

Interment was at Turlock Memorial Park.

Born June 22, 1923 in Bellflower, Paul was the third of six children of Charles and Margaret Koelzer. The Koelzer family moved to Turlock in 1934 where Paul attended Turlock High School, graduating with the class of 1941. After high school Paul briefly attended Modesto Junior College before enlisting in the Navy. Paul proudly served in the Navy with the Seventh Fleet from late 1942 through 1945 in the southern and western Pacific during World War II. Mr. Koelzer was an Aviation Machinist Mate aboard the USS Tangier AV8, a seaplane tender and mother ship to a squadron of Black Cat PBY Night Raiders. After discharge from the Navy, Paul returned to Turlock where he met Berniece "Bee" Lingerfelt of Delhi, the love of his life and the couple was married in 1946. In 1948 the couple moved to Modesto where Paul began working for Pacific Telephone. Paul retired from the telephone company after 32 years and became a full time almond rancher in Hughson. Paul was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to work with his hands and being outdoors. After retiring, Paul and Bee purchased a motor home and traveled extensively throughout the United States. Paul always looked forward to seeing his 'Navy buddies' at ship reunions.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Berniece Koelzer of Hughson; his children, Steven Koelzer of Modesto, and Marlene Taulier of Vancouver Wash.; three sisters, Rose Martin of Turlock, Mary Haring of San Diego, and Pauline Baker of Turlock; and his grandchildren, Jason Koelzer and Jenny Smith, both of Modesto, Erik Koelzer of San Juan Capistrano and Michael Taulier of Vancouver. He was preceded in death by sisters Katherine Sandefur and Barbara Haug.

Friends may share memories and condolences at turlockmemorialpark.com

-Ceres Courier /December 9, 2009