Jan. 6, 1960 - July 7, 2011

ELKHART -- Gary L. Koller, 51, of Elkhart, passed away at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the Elkhart Hospice House.

He was born Jan. 6, 1960, in Elkhart to Virgil Oresta and Helen Bernadine (Wade) Koller.

In addition to his mother, other survivors include five daughters, Tabbitha Koller of Chicago, Jacqueline (David) Holt of Elkhart, Kaitlynn (Brian) Streeter of Bristol and Corinne Koller and Emily Koller, both of Elkhart; three brothers, Mark Koller of South Bend, Eric Koller of Indianapolis and Tony Serafino of Elkhart; sister Diana (Tom) Tormanen of Shipshewana; one grandson, Alek Holt; and one granddaughter, Alaira Streeter.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and grandparents James and Nellie Koller and David and Anna Wade.

Gary was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served from 1981 until 1985. He worked as a self-employed handyman for many years in the Elkhart area. Gary enjoyed gardening, woodworking, playing various board games, fishing and, most of all, spending time with his children.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the 11 a.m. memorial service Monday, July 18, 2011, at Zion Missionary Church, 1135 E. Hively Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517. Pastor Brent Poe of Beulah Missionary Church will officiate. The Rev. Dale Turner and the Rev. Jeff Fater will assist. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Prairie Street Cemetery Veterans Towers. The U.S. Air Force Funeral Honor Detail and Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 will render military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family in c/o Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514.

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