John Koller

Tribute

Born in 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, John developed an interest in journalism during high school, a passion he carried into college, where he became an editor of the student newspaper. He worked multiple jobs, putting himself through Loyola University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout his career, he distinguished himself in sales, sales training, and marketing management, building a successful career in these areas. His work was marked by original, result-oriented programs, making a lasting difference for the people he taught. John retired in his 50’s, leaving Chicago for the warm Arizona climate of his dreams. After settling in Scottsdale, he wrote two books on the essentials of excelling as a salesperson, sharing the knowledge he’d spent a lifetime developing. Retirement also gave John more time to enjoy his lifelong love of the arts. He’d say his love for classical music began as a child when he first heard Rossini’s William Tell Overture. He greatly enjoyed attending the symphony, opera, ballet, and live theater both at home and when he travelled. To further his opportunities for stage work, John moved to Surprise, AZ, and became active in Sun City Grand’s Drama and Comedy Club, acting in many of their productions and entertaining audiences with his stand-up comedy routines. He also performed with The Mountain Shadows Theater Company and TheaterWorks. This began a period he often described as the best years of his life. In 2004, John met Cindy through The Grand’s Singles Club, and this began 22 years of a life partnership. Together they enjoyed many cruises and road trips and spent many cool summers in Laguna Woods Village, California. In 2024, they moved to the active, independent living community of Freedom Plaza. There they made wonderful new friends and participated in many activities. John continued to entertain in Readers Theater skits. He loved having a new audience to make laugh. John is survived by his daughter Sue, granddaughter Phoebe, sister Jane, and nieces Molly and Annie. He also leaves behind Cindy, his beloved life partner. He is preceded in death by his children’s mother Marie, his son John Jr., and his daughter Annette. John will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and a true talent for making people laugh. He cared that those around him felt joy and offered his own without hesitation. In John’s own words: “The Angel of Death and the Grim Reaper will soon realize that they should have called on me ten years ago. But in that extra time, I have worked to become a better person. I have helped to brighten the day of as many people as I could. Sometimes a smile or a hello, or a helping hand, can be just what is needed.”

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