Wallace Koestner

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Wallace Dan Koestner passed away on February 22, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1950, in Centerville, Iowa, and was raised by his parents, Wallace (“Dutch”) and Jeanne Koestner. Dan was a man who always put his family first. He carried a deep love for exploring the human experience, and this passion shaped both his education and his life’s work. He earned his bachelor’s degrees from Iowa State University in Philosophy and English, with a minor in Sociology. He later completed a Master of Arts in Theater, Film, and Television Studies at UCLA and finished the coursework toward a Ph.D. in film. He began his career working on the Alaska pipeline, spending four years there before moving to California. There he met his wife, and together they welcomed two daughters, Danica and Rachel, who were the pride and joy of his life. After moving to Arizona in 1993, he became an elementary school teacher, where he spent many years inspiring young minds until his retirement in 2014. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his daughters, Danica and Rachel; his older brother, Lex; and his twin sister, Jana. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a lifetime of extraordinary memories and a legacy of love, learning, and inspiration. A celebration of life service was held at Bellevue Heights Church on March 7, 2026.

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