Rotraud Koesler

Rotraud Koesler, 93 year-old Vinita resident, went to be with the Lord Monday, February 15, 2021.

Rotraud was born March 24, 1927 to Paul and Gertrude (Wiesel) Neidermair in Bonn, Germany. Rotraud received her formal education in Germany where she worked as a kindergarten teacher until meeting her future husband, Max P. Koesler, Jr., an American soldier, during World War II. At the end of the war, Rotraud remained in Germany for three years until she was able to be reunited with Max in America. The couple was married March 30, 1948 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Vinita. They remained active parishioners and enjoyed volunteering in numerous parish activities until their health no longer allowed.

During Rotraud’s early years, she worked at Munsingwear Garment Factory, and later served as the Activities Director of the Autumn Homes. Rotraud was an active member of the homemakers club and enjoyed tending her large garden. She was a wonderful cook and an avid reader. Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her 50 years of volunteer service as a Cherry Red at Craig General Hospital. Her years of dedication were recognized by being named the 2013 Will Rogers Memorial Parade Marshal as a part of the hospital’s 50th year celebration.

Rotraud is survived by her daughters Susanna Franklin and husband Jay of Vinita, Nancy Ice and husband Alvin of Sheboygan, WI, and Carol Wilson and husband Wayne of Greensburg, KS. She was lovingly known as Oma by her grandchildren Tiffany (Ice) and Jeremy Rauwerdink of Sheboygan, WI, Anna (Franklin) and Brian Clifton of Las Vegas, NV, Noah Franklin and Taylor of Memphis, TN, and Eva (Franklin) and Josh Woolman of Vinita. Oma is also survived by numerous adoring great-grandchildren.

Rotraud is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Gertrude Neidermair, her husband of 57 years Max P. Koesler, Jr., and children Jack Koesler, Gladys Tidball, and Richard Koesler.

Due to Covid-19 transmission concerns there will be no Funeral Mass.  Visitation will held Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.  Graveside services will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 at 12 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Vinita with Deacon Anthony Hicks officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita, OK. Condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or our Luginbuel Facebook page.