Marcia Koestner

Marcia Koestner passed away on July 7, 2026, at the age of 77.

Marcia was born on August 23, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Robert and Lucille Stachowiak. She attended both Catholic and public schools in Saginaw and graduated in 1966. She then attended Western Michigan University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree.

In 1972, Marcia married William Schill Jr. of Saginaw. Following their divorce in 1977, she married Robert "Dave" Koestner in 1989. Through their marriage, she became the devoted stepmother of Kyle, Kelcee, Kurtis, and Kal.

Marcia enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in executive administration and human resources. She was employed by Checker Motors Corporation in Kalamazoo for 36 years, serving for two decades as executive assistant to President David Markin before becoming Director of Human Resources. Following the closure of Checker Motors in 2009, she served as Director of Human Resources for Beacon Specialized Living Services in Bangor until her retirement six years later.

Marcia was committed to civic engagement and community service throughout her life. She volunteered with Junior Achievement, the Big Sister Program, the American Red Cross, and United Way. She served as president of Women in Communication, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, the League of Women Voters, the Kalamazoo County Silent Observer Program, and the Northside Business Association. In addition, she served on the boards of Specialized Learning Disabilities, the Western Michigan University Alumni Association, the WMU School of Communication, Junior Achievement, and the Kalamazoo County Silent Observer Program.

For many years, Marcia was an active volunteer with the USTA Boys' 18 & 16 National Championships in Kalamazoo. In recognition of her dedication, she was named a Green Jacket recipient in 2003. That same year, she received the Glass Ceiling Award from the Kalamazoo Women's Network in recognition of her professional achievement and leadership.

Marcia was a faithful member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Kalamazoo Human Resources Management Association, the American Society for Training & Development, and the League of Women Voters.

Marcia and Dave shared a love of boating on Lake Michigan and enjoyed traveling its shoreline together. She was known for her wit and remarkable memory. She enjoyed music, movies, late night talks and spontaneous dance parties.

Marcia is survived by her stepchildren, Kyle (Danielle), Kelcee (Scot), Kurtis (Jennifer), and Kal (Susan); her step grandchildren, Kyla, Charles, Emily, Peter, Thomas, Ava, Cade, Maysan, Kensington, Kaleb, Kinsley, Lennon, and Rowe; and her beloved cat, Bentley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Dave" Koestner; her parents, Robert and Lucille Stachowiak; and her stepfather, Frank.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Portage. Mass will be celebrated immediately following the visitation, with a luncheon thereafter. Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.