Date of death: 5/15/2008
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1964
Alfred Leon Koetting, 69.Alfred was born June 24, 1938, in Groom to Leo and Vera Koetting. He attended Saint Meinrad Seminary and Price College. He married Mary Margaret Honey on April 4, 1959, in Amarillo. Alfred and his father worked on the harvest until their family’s move to Amarillo in 1955. In 1958, his father, Leo Koetting, started Plains Builders, and after Leo’s death in 1971, Alfred took control of the family business.His many outside accomplishments include being an original parish council member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He also served on many boards, including Ascension Academy, Diocesan Building Committee, and the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center. He was a strong supporter and advocate of the Amarillo Catholic Diocese, being very instrumental in numerous building projects throughout the diocese.After his retirement from Plains Builders, Alfred developed another passion – Bluebird Ranch. Bluebird, which is outside of Wheeler, became his refuge. In a note written in his own hand, he lists his many blessings. First and foremost is his family, followed by his church, his extended family, his friends, his business and Bluebird.His strong faith, ethics and love for others will continue as a legacy through his children and grandchildren.Survivors include his wife, Mary; a daughter, Karen Stanhope and husband Jimmy of Glenpool, Okla.; four sons, Tim Koetting and wife Kemi, Mark Koetting and wife Michelle, Matthew Koetting and Daniel Koetting and wife Nicole, all of Amarillo; three sisters, Betty Tellman, Carol Saldana and Mary Catherine Fuller, all of Amarillo; three brothers, Stanley Koetting and Fred Koetting, both of Lubbock, and Charles Koetting of Dallas; 11 grandchildren, Mike, Brad, Rebecca, Rachel, Sam, Tess, Emily, Ross, Colby, Abigail and Isaiah; and three great-grandchildren, Paige, Walker and Alex.The family suggests memorials be to St. Meinrad School of Theology, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577; or Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center, 2122 N. Spring St., Amarillo, TX 79107.Information obtained from the Amarillo Globe-News, May 16, 2008