Obituary of John J. Koelble

John J. Koelble of South Plainfield, N.J., formerly of Union, N.J., and Maplewood, N.J., passed away suddenly after a short illness on Monday, Nov., 26, 2018.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 767 Prospect St., Maplewood. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's Church on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m., followed by entombment at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union. For more information or to send condolences, please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com
Born to John and Caroline Koelble of Union in 1933, John was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph's Parish in Maplewood. After retiring, John remained an active community member of the church and was particularly honored to be part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration presentation 10 years ago.
Always a dedicated employee and volunteer, John began working at the age of eleven years old and continued to well into his 70's to help his families. He was well known for his extraordinary strong work ethic. Graduating Union High School in 1951, John proudly joined the NJ National Guard and continued until 1965 .John worked for NJ Bell and Verizon for over 50 years. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America at Saint Joseph's Troop 21 as a youth and continued to support them until his passing. He was a Scout Leader of Troop 3 of Maplewood for many years as well.
John was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life and was a member of the BPO Elks of South Orange Lodge 1154 for 47 years. Working hard, taking care of family members, and volunteering were always an integral part of John's life.
John was predeceased by his loving brother, Robert Koelble and the mother of his four children, Carol Helies Koelble. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, loving children, Sue Koelble, Kathleen Hingel (Rick), John Koelble (Carolyn), Tina Bartko (Frank), and dear sister, Ruth Gargas. John will also be forever remembered and loved by his grandchildren, Kimberly, Nicole, Kaitlin, Sammy, Kristin, Michael, Krista, Kelly, great-grandson, Finnegan, and stepgrandsons, Ronald, Jonathon, and Joseph Rodgers. John's children would like to extend their gratitude for the help and kindness shown by beloved step-daughter, Debra Rodgers, wife of Ronald, beloved niece, Kathy Nelson, and beloved cousin, and lifelong friend, Gary Walters.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325 would be appreciated.