Koeller, Carston

Carston Conrad Koeller passed away peacefully on January 16 at 81 years of age surrounded by his loving family. Carston was married to Merna, his senior prom date, for 58 years. His children are Randy, Kathy, Gwen, Becky and Rachel; grandchildren are Sara, Andy, Kate, Ross, Beth, Tara, Jon, Josh, Micah, Tom, Christa, Hannah, Kayla and Ben, great-grandchild, Connor. Carston was born on December 3, 1929 and grew up on a dairy farm west of Embarrass, Wisconsin. He graduated from Clintonville High in 1948. He taught weather science while serving in the Air Force during the Korean War. Math and physics studies on the GI bill and a master’s degree in 1964 set him on a teaching course which spanned 32 years – 27 years as an MATC Physics teacher. He was the plaintiff in a landmark case, Koeller vs. Muskego-Norway School Board, which advanced the cause of teachers’ rights in collective bargaining. Carston served as president of AFT Local 212 and Wisconsin Federation of Teachers. He spent many years serving Wisconsin Council of Senior Citizens, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and was a founding member of Peace Lutheran Church, New Berlin. Throughout his life Carston loved gardening, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. Funeral service will begin at 4 PM, January 18 at Peace Lutheran Church New Berlin with visitation starting two hours prior to the service. Interment is at a later date in Embarrass, WI. Memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity.