Kenneth Louis Koerber
Kenneth Louis Koerber peacefully passed away at his home in League City on November 22, 2014 at the age of 81. He was born July 28, 1933 in Louisville, Kentucky. At the young age of 16, he was stricken with Polio where he spent a considerable amount of time in an iron lung and is believed to be the oldest surviving patient of the iron lung. Kenn attended the University of Louisville in Kentucky where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering and while there met his wife, Sue Render. From 1957 to 1966, he and his wife lived in California where he worked for Hughes Aircraft writing technical manuals. Late in 1966, Kenn and his family, now consisting of three boys, moved to Huntsville, Alabama where he was employed by IBM. He transferred to the Houston, Texas area where he continued his association with IBM supporting the NASA space program. Kenn retired after 28 years of service with IBM.
Some of Kenn’s many interest included photography along with building and flying both U-Control and Radio Control model aircraft. However, his real passion was collecting and restoring antique clocks. He was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for 50 years. He also was an active member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and enjoyed many years singing in the choir.
Kenn is preceded in death by his parents, Clement and Elma Koerber; and brother, Keith Koerber.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Ella Koerber, and his sons, Jon Koerber and his wife, Beth; Mark Koerber and his wife, Elva; Scott Koerber and his wife, Lana. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Mandy Winton, Rachel Bradshaw, Heather Waldrop, Kayla Koerber, Priscilla Tubbs, Nicole Connor, Olivia Koerber, Alexis Koerber and Alyssa Koerber and seventeen great grandchildren. Kenn also leaves behind his siblings, Clement J Koerber, Elma Carolyn Kennedy and Kathleen Zablocki along with numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with family from six until eight o’clock in the evening on Friday, November 28, 2014 at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster. Funeral services will be held at ten o‘clock in the morning on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay followed by a celebration of his life in the Life Center.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Kenn’s name may be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Choir.
Sue, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time! May God continue to give you His comfort and peace. Will always remember Ken with his cheerful whistle, smile, and greeting. I was able to hear and view a lot of his greetings as he parked his vehicle outside of the 4th grade classroom at Grace Lutheran. What a lot of wonderful memories!
What a comfort we as God’s children have of the HOPE of our reuniting with our loved ones around His throne. Tell Jon, Mark, and Scott, “hello” for me.
God’s Continual Love and Peace!
Kenn Koerber was a fine gentleman and a great colleague. His office was across the hall from mine when I joined IBM in 1976. His positive outlook and his generosity were wonderful assets to our Space Shuttle team. I still own the old clock he cleaned for me, and it still runs well, as does my grandfather’s gold pocket watch. Thanks, Kenn!
Metta and I worked with Kenn in Huntsville and Houston. He had the most positive attitude of anyone I have ever known. He was a joy to be around and to work with. His attitude was infectious and benefitted everyone around him. The world is a dimmer place without him.
Kyle Rone
I first met Kenn in Huntsville while working for Bob Ingenthron and later John Irby on Skylab. We worked a lot of hours but had a lot of fun. In those days in Huntsville and most of his days while working in Houston, Kenn used crutches for walking. He also whistled. I asked him why the whistling? He said that he was just barely balanced on his crutches, and the whistles were to alert coworkers that he was just around the corner.
I’ll miss his infectious laughs. Thanks Friend.
Ken will be sorely missed at Gloria Dei. His smile and humor were a part of every Sunday service when he was able to attend. Our thoughts and prayers got out to Sue and their children during this time. Ken is whole and healthy now, worshipping the Savior he so readily professed!
Sue,
Kenn was an inspiration to us and a true servant of the Lord. We were blessed to know him.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May the gentle hand of God touch your hearts with peace.
Michael and Debra Fagan
I first met Kenn when I joined IBM in Huntsville in 1967. He and I were office mates for awhile and I will always remember the card games we played at lunch. I also remember the trips we took looking for antique clocks and antiques in general around Huntsville and Tennessee. I still have the walnut bedroom suite I bought from Kenn in 1968. Kenn will be greatly missed.
I found a friend named Kenn Koerber in Huntsville, Ala. He was truly a joy to be with and to work with. We spent may long hours working together on Skylab. I admired Kenn’s great courage and has great smile. May God bless and keep you, Sue, and your family during this time of sorrow. We will all miss Kenn.
Jim Webb