Koberstein, William Roger Obituary

Koberstein, William Roger attended Corvallis High School in Corvallis, OR. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Koberstein, William Roger.

Graduation Year	Class of 1962
Date of Passing	Dec 25, 2011
About	Bill Koberstein was born January 7, 1944 to Frederick William "Fritz" and Vaneta Wanda Koberstein (nee Stagner) at Anderson Hospital in Corvallis. He attended Corvallis schools, including Roosevelt Elementary and Highland View Junior High (he was the first student body president), and graduated from Corvallis High School in 1962. Bill went to paradise in the arms of Jesus after his brave battle with cancer while at home with his family and friends. He was a fierce competitor in high school sports, lettering three years in football and basebvall. For five years, he started in center field for the Corvallis Elks American Legion baseball team, and some believe he was one of the finest pure athletes of the time. In the Junior Olympics, he set a national record and won the softball throw in 1957 (262 feet, 4-1/2 inches). Following his graduation, he joined the National Guard from 1962 to 1968, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). Then he worked a variety of mill and landscaping jobs throughout the area, retiring from Corvallis Disposal and Corvallis School District employment. He founded Useful Box Company, featuring dovetailed boxes that he designed and built to order. He had a highly developed work ethic, enjoyed hard work, and had a reputation for quality workmanship, besides being a fantastic cook. Some family favorites were fried chicken, anything barbecued, smoked fish, chicken and noodles, seafood chowder, and wild game. He wed Jeanne Cox in 1965, and Todd Roger Koberstein was born in 1967. Bill and Jeanne later divorced. Bill married Linda Anderson on Feb 14, 1969, and Natalie Christine Koberstein was born in 1972. Bill was a humble man of integrity and dignity who loved and cherished Linda, their children, grandchildren, many friends, and his large extended family for whom he always "had their back." Bill considered his own walk of faith to feature the Serenity Prayer, being a friend, a life of simplicity, and serving others in his own quiet way through yard work, home maintenance, and gifts of garden produce that he offered to friends, family and the community. He honored God's creation through his love of the outdoors, and was at peace in nature. Bill enjoyed taking Linda and their children on many fun camping and fishing adventures. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter, and exceptional camp cook. For 44 seasons, Bill joined a group of friends on "The Owyhee" (Oregon) for chukar hunting with his son, Todd, joining them at age 11 for 33 seasons. Besides the hunting, he enjoyed the quiet moments around the campfire, watching the sunrise with a cup of fresh "camp" coffee, and the sunsets at the end of the day with the fellowship of friends, while fully expressing his wry sense of humor. Bill was a skilled gardener. his yard was regularly complimented for its cleanliness and order, a pristine garden abundant with produce and beautiful flowers. Many remember him from his place on the front porch greeting visitors with a smile, good humor and quiet considerations. he was preceded in death by his father, Frederick (1956), beloved granddaughter Elizabeth Grace Unangst (2009); and stepfather, Vern Francis (1985). Bill is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Todd (Sandi), with grandsons Daniel and Nicholas; daughter, Natalie Koberstein, with grandchildren Breanne, Justin, Jacob, Quinn and Caleb Unangst; his mother Vaneta Francis; a brother, Dennis; and four sisters, Janice Kelly, Alice Koberstein, Nancy Kaiser and Donna Sichley. The family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Love INC, Benton Hospice Service or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life is scheduled for 11am February 25 at Zion Lutheran Church, with a luncheon following. Arrangements are being handled by Twin Oaks Funeral Home.