National Sojourners®

"When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen."

MAJ William F. Koeckert, USA (PNP 1978-1979)

Sep 26, 2020

National President (1978-1979)

Brother William F. Koeckert passed to the Celestial Chapter above on September 26, 2020. Born October 12, 1925 in Cleveland, OH, he was 95 years old. MAJ William F. Koeckert, served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1965. He served in England during the Second World War as an automatic rifleman, and commanded a tank company in Korea. After retiring, he was an Assistant and Associate Professor, a Dean of Continuing Education and an educational consultant. He was very active in his community being a member of the National Rifle Association, Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association, North Olmsted Sportsman’s Club, his United Methodist Church, the Ohio Historical Society, and many Alumni Associations.

He was raised in Euclid Lodge No. 599 in Shaker Heights, OH on January 3, 1952, and served as its Master in 1975. He also served as the Treasurer of the Master, Wardens & Deacons Assoc. of Cuyahoga County for four years, Treasurer of the Shaker Masonic Building Association for two years, and as a Trustee of Junction City – Ft. Riley Shrine Club for one year. Brother Koeckert was also a member of Associates of the Second Mile, Royal Arch Masons; Royal and Select Masters, Knights Templar; Cuyahoga County Memorial Lodge, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (NMJ); AAONMS; OES; and the Royal Order of Scotland.

He joined National Sojourners in Camp Polk Chapter #331 in Camp Polk, LA in April of 1952. He served as Chapter Secretary for Kentucky #134, Fort Riley #321, and Alaska #355, and served as President of Fort Riley #321 in 1953. He was a Regional Representative from 1966 to 1970 and a Deputy Area Representative from 1962 to 1965 and 1971 to 1974. He served on the Committee of 33 from 1967 to 1974 and on the Honors and Awards Committee for several years. He served as National President in 1978 – 1979.

Condolences may be sent to his Family at 3927 Windsor Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121-2072. Donations in his memory can be made to the SEM Fund. Make checks payable to SEM Fund and mail to the National Office, 7942 R Cluny Court, Springfield, VA 22153, and include the name of the person (in memory of) in the memo line of the check.

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