Jerry Starke Koontz's Obituary
Jerry Starke Koontz, age 86, passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 28, 2022. The son of David Starke Koontz and Emma Lucille Marshall Koontz, Jerry was born in Glendale, California on October 21, 1936. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Jean Steffen Koontz who passed away on September 29, 2004 and his eldest daughter Jennifer Anne Koontz on January 8, 2008.
While earning his Bachelors Degree (Minor in Music/Organ) at the University of Utah, Jerry met his wife Nancy, and they married shortly after graduation. They moved to Southern California where Jerry earned is Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from UCLA and they had their first child, Jennifer.
Jerry had a long and successful career in hospital administration starting as the CEO in Anacortes, Washington where his second daughter, Mary Kathryn Koontz Patstone was born. From Washington, Jerry moved his family to New England where he led healthcare systems in New Hampshire and finally in Maine where he formed one of the first healthcare “systems,” Northeast Health.
Jerry was a talented musician who played the piano, organ, violin, and harp. He was the organist for many churches over the years, including St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Camden, Maine where he spearheaded the campaign to replace the organ in the 1980s.
As a true old world gentleman, his years were filled with family, friends, music, holiday decorations, painting restorations and antiques. A life well lived.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Mary Kathryn Koontz Patstone, his nephews, Kenneth, Daniel, and John (Teresa) Koontz.
The Koontz family expresses deep gratitude to the staff at the University of Utah Hospital, especially the Palliative and Hospice care team who lovingly ensured Jerry's comfort and care in his final days.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (261 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT) at 1 pm on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
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