Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ken was a gracious man with a good heart. Ken was never jaded or hardened by the job which is difficult to accomplish with years of service and untold terrible experiences that we deal with during our years on the job. At one time he was my neighbor as a young boy and eventually became my mentor as a young officer. I have carried his lessons and memories with me throughout my career. There are officers you meet throughout your career that you wish to emulate and judge yourself with, Sgt Koeller was one of those officers. Now that I approach my retirement I pray and hope that he is proud of the officer I have become. God bless.

Sgt. Tim Benning
Ex Jennings Officer

January 28, 2024

I will never forget that night, I was only 8, but I remember Dad was on duty and didn’t come home for several days. Mom cried and cried. We listed to the radio…. I’m over 40 now, I always think about that night this time of year.

Fellow Officer’s son

December 28, 2022

My father was Charles Eugene “Gene” Wilson. He passed 10 years ago from Cancer. But I have many memories of my Dad and his friends at the Jennings Police force. I use to do ride alongs with my dad during his midnight shifts....and spent many days and nights with the brave men and women of the the Jennings team. One thing that was always remembered was one of my dads great friends, Sergeant Koeller. I am glad to have known the great men and women of Jennings.

Son of Gene Wilson
Friend

September 28, 2019

I worked with you as a paramedic on several 911 calls, and was on duty the night you left us. You were a kind and caring man who only wanted good for the people we served and go home to your wife each day. Three times in my career a dedicated officer lost his and her life trying to serve a community called North county. Today as we mourn yet another senseless loss of a good officer and man in North county. And once again I mourn and you and Joanna from St. Louis county and Jay Noser from Florissant during my years.
I pray that someday all of this will stop.

Medic supervisor, retired Robert Hansen
Christian Hospital EMS

June 24, 2019

Dear Ken, We were not long married those many years ago, but you are always here with me ever since I lost you. I see you still in your pictures that I glance at daily, I see you in all the work that you've done around our house, and I see you when the officers of St. Louis County patrol our streets here in Jennings. I see you in our old Police friends when they stop to chat and still talk about you to me. But most of all I see you in my heart-for there you live with me, talk, laugh, and cry to me, and guide me through my years.
My tears fall like rivers as I write this because our love was so real and bonding that no one could ever take your place; you were and will always be " My Kenny". I love you baby 'til the day I die. Wait for me and we'll cruise to the places that we had always called 'ours' and enjoy our love forever.

Carol S. Koeller
Wife, Lover, Friend.

January 30, 2019

Officer Koeller was my baseball coach at Corpus Christi grade school. He didn't have a son our age but he loved baseball and liked working with kids though we surely had to try his patience sometimes. I remember him as a kind man, good with us, and an example to look up to. Rest in peace, God bless your family.

Bill Judge

January 28, 2017

Very well put special Agent Stuckmeyer. you are right , Jennings has went to hell . So sad to read this , was sad when it happened. I still have the news articled about it. Sorry about the loss of your good friend Sgt Koeller..
Rich Slusser
Former Jennings J Resident since 1942

NA
NA

January 28, 2016

Ken,

I never knew you personally, but ended up knowing you because I worked on your case. At the time of your murder I was working undercover for the Meg Unit. My partner and I did a lot of surveillance work looking for suspects. IN fact, I ended up driving a seized Mercedes Benz for someone we suspected to be involved.

Have seen far too many brothers killed in the line of duty in my 34 years of service. Now that I'm a Chief, the thought of losing one of my Officers is my greatest fear. It still amazes me everyday to see the young men and women who perform this job selflessly every day.

Chief Sean Fagan
Rolla Police Department

January 28, 2016

Hi Ken,

Well, it's been 28 years since we lost you. Our old Jennings PD is no more. What John Obertz and Mayor Koenneman tried to keep from happening happened anyway. North St. Louis and St. Louis County has gone to hell. The natives are throwing fits protesting, rioting, looting and burning all because officers are doing their jobs when the criminals threaten their lives. Thank God my son, David, retired just before the first riot started in Ferguson. Ken, I've thought of you often over the years. The pain of losing you has lessened over the years but my love for you is still the same. You were, and still are, my best friend and I'll be so glad to see you once again when I get to Heaven, which is gonna be v ery soon now. I hope you and my wife have had a good time up there but if you messed with her I'm gonna get you.

Special Agent (Ret.) Richard Stuckmeyer
Mo. Div. of Legal Services - Fraud Unit

May 7, 2015

I remember this well. Kenny and I were both sergeants back then and would talk when on duty. He working for Jennings and I worked for Ferguson. I wasn't on the night he was murdered. I put him in for the Medal of Valor through the Fraternal Order of Police and subsequently awarded it to his wife in October. He was a great guy.

Det. (Ret) Timothy Askew
Ferguson Police Department

January 28, 2015

Grandpa,
Eventhough we have never met here on Earth, i know you are up there in Heaven watching down on me and the whole rest of our family. If you were somehow still here, I know you would be so proud of the great father your son is to me and how much of a role model he is to me and others. I love you Grandpa!:)

Jessica
Grandaughter

November 5, 2013

Happy 70th birthday Dad! You will forever be missed. Keep watching over us and protecting us. We love you so much. You are our Angel.

Tracy Koeller
Your Only Daughter

March 5, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. .

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today

.Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 28, 2012

Sarge,
I never worked with you, but I looked at your picture in the Sergeant's office every day. They finally disbanded JPD, but those of us who were proud to have worked there still remember you. A couple days ago we had a small get together, and someone you did work with commented that today will be the 25th anniversary of your murder. We still remember.

Ex Jennings Officer
Jennings PD

January 28, 2012

Sergeant K. , I thought about you while reading a television news message board about a similar situation that you encountered that horrible night in 1987. Readers were second guessing the officer and other such Monday-morning-quarterbacking was going on. It made me angry. It angered me even more knowing what happened to you was not much different and how flippant people were with their remarks regarding how the officer reacted. In life you meant so much to your family, friends and those whom you served. But in death, you're certainly to have been influential in countless more.

I posted a link to your site here and maybe...just maybe one of those readers might get a little more of an understanding of what can happen out there to us.

God Bless you Sgt. Koeller.

Ex-Jennings Officer

October 29, 2008

Ken,

You were a man who was easy to befriend and respect. In the years we worked together, by your example you taught myself and others to respect the law enforcement profession and the people we deal with no matter what their station in life. Your easy demeanor and professionalism labeled you amough one of the finest men that ever served in law enforcement. You are missed by family and friends and particulary myself.

Robert J. Noonan, Chief of Police
Wentzville Police Department

January 31, 2008

Sgt. K.

I came to work at Jennings PD shortly after your departure. Your memory as well as the sacrifice that you made for the citizens you served will never be forgotten.

Ex Jennings PD

January 28, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 25, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 6, 2007

Dear Ken,

You were a good probie when I trained you, became a fine offixcer and a wonderful friend. Our sons became police officers and went through the academy together. Wish you could have been there for their graduation. Also, for my sons wedding when your son was his best man. You were one of the best guys I knew and I know God was glad to have you home when you got there. Our loss was His gain. I look forward to seeing you soon. You always said I never had a thought I couldn't utter and I could talk about you here forever. I love you and I miss you old friend. Say hello to my wife up there okay (but hands off)?

Richard Stuckmeyer

Special Agent Richard E. Stuckmeyer
MO Div. of Legal Services

August 26, 2007

Ken, you are thought of often. Your advice and guidance when we were sergeants together in Jennings led me to where I am today. It is hard to believe it has been 20 years. Rest in Peace my friend.

Capt Rex Gooch
Maryland Heights PD

January 11, 2007

Ken was a kind soul, and a great Sergeant to work for. I spoke with him many times while in the communications room at the Jennings police station. I wish I could have been there to help you that night Ken. I might have had a different outcome. Rest in peace buddy...

Randy

Officer Randall Messina
Worked in Normandy

December 23, 2006

Just wanted to leave a short reflection to say you have not been forgotten even after almost two decades. I think it is a wonderful tribute to your memory that your grandson follows in your footsteps. Guide him and protect him while he is on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

May 26, 2006

I've never had the desire to "Follow in someone's footsteps". Always struggling to be and individual and do something that no one in our family has done before. Now, I'm older, maybe a little wiser. I now realize that in doing this, your not following, your continuing. I hope that with your approval, I could continue something that is much greater than I could have ever started. Hope I make you proud grandpa!! Your grandson, P.O. Leesmann 85

P.O. Leesmann
Charlack P.D.

May 8, 2006

Hi old friend. Hope all is fine with you. Enjoy your stay in the Good Lord's house. Not much has changed since your left. There are still bad guys out there and they still don't like the police! Have a great afterlife and hope to see you soon! Miss you!!! Bob

Ret. Sergeant Robert Kessler
Riverview , Missouri Police Dept.

January 7, 2005