I apologize profusely if I owe you a review or a post. My husband has been sick since September with COVID-19. He may have only been 38 years old but his autoimmune disorder had already put his body through the ringer. On December 9th, Don Koelsch III, the absolute love of my life, died. I haven't been able to truly review properly since. I'm sure I'll get back to it but I'm currently devastated and pretty miserable. We have an 11-year-old daughter as well and she needs me right now.
Thank you for your patience as I figure out my new normal,
Sara
Mr. Koelsch attended Dover Elementary School where his witty, quirky personality began to shine. From there, he attended Wilmington High School in Wilmington, VT, graduating in 2001. While in high school, he began working for Mount Snow in West Dover, VT, where he spent many years and truly loved the wide range of experiences he gained. It was in his first position, at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington, VT, that his passion for food and cooking, and his strong work ethic, began to flourish. In each of those years, he gained new skills and built strong friendships. He often spoke of his time spent at Haystack and as a groomer at Mount Snow. Throughout his life, he carried those skills and connections, ensuring that wherever he went or whoever he met, he was prepared with knowledge and great stories.
He set off to K-State Salina, in Salina, KS, to become a professional pilot. Before finishing his degree, he returned home to West Dover to work with Don Koelsch Builders and met his soon-to-be wife on his birthday in 2006. He also volunteered at the West Dover Fire Department.
Mr. Koelsch had various hobbies and lived a joyous life. He grew up an avid skier and snowboarder, sharing the passion with his family. They traveled across the United States, skiing and riding some of the most popular mountains. During the summer, he could be found on the family’s boat on Lake Whitingham. His father and he worked together for many years building houses and doing carpentry jobs. Mr. Koelsch learned a great deal at his father’s hands and looked up to him until his last day.
Mr. Koelsch married his bride Sara on July 29, 2007. They had one daughter, Amelia, in 2009, who was the treasure of his life. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with his girls. Every chance he could, he and Amelia played video games together, bonding over zombies. He loved being able to take both his girls out on his motorcycle and enjoyed the curves of a good Vermont back road.
Mr. Koelsch worked at a variety of jobs throughout his young life. He worked as a delivery driver at Blue Mountain Produce, and as a bank manager at People’s Bank, both in Wilmington, VT. He worked at Chimney Hill Rentals and received his real estate license. In 2019, he attended CDL school at Witte Brothers in Troy and spent the past year and a half working as an over-the-road truck driver. He found his true calling this last year and enjoyed every mile he put on his 18-wheeler.
Though his days on earth were short, Mr. Koelsch left a lasting memory on those he met. He was a dedicated father and doted on his only child. He was also a devoted, patient, and slightly unpredictable husband who always charmed his wife. He had a quick wit and a fun sense of humor that could put a smile on any of his family’s faces.
He shared a love of cooking and often overused butter and bacon.
Mr. Koelsch is survived by his wife Sara; daughter Amelia; parents Cathy and Donald Koelsch Jr., of West Wardsboro, VT; sister Jana (Chad) Staro, of West Wardsboro, VT; brother Chad (DeeDee) Pressey, of Winona, MN; maternal grandparents Donald and Sylvia Johnson, of Red Bluff, CA; and several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Wanda and Donald Koelsch Sr., of Wilmington, VT.
Due to the nature of Mr. Koelsch’s death and the pandemic, a celebration of his life will be planned for the summer of 2021 or as soon as possible.
To honor his memory now, wear a mask and stay home if you are sick.
In lieu of flowers donations for medical and financial bills as well as condolences can be sent to SaraKoelsch@gmail.com (donations via PayPal) or directly to GoFundMe at https://gf.me/u/y9uybr.
