Vernon (Vern) Karl Koestel was born July 26, 1954 in Salt Lake City, UT to Ervin K. & Margaret R. Koestel. Very shortly after his birth, they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where Vern called home the rest of his life. Vern passed away on March 24, 2026 at HopeWest Hospice in the Mike and Kay Ferris Care Center in Grand Junction.

Vern loved his family, life, friends, the outdoors, camping, fishing, body building, and his cat Jumper. He had a huge love of football, and always said the Denver Broncos were his team. He attended school in Grand Junction, graduating from Fruita Monument High School in 1972. After working a little over 4 years in Grand Junction, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy serving almost 7 years from March, 1977 through December, 1983. He was always very proud of his military service and his country.

Vern was enrolled at Mesa State College in Grand Junction from 1992-1997 where he studied to get his accounting degree as he worked part time. Vern worked different jobs over the years, but one he especially liked was at the VA Hospital in maintenance. He always enjoyed the veterans. 

Vern was especially proud of his two nieces, Megan Luksha and Lindsay Julson, and being uncle to their 4 children, Hunter Savageau, Harper Luksha, and Jace & Kade Julson.

In 2020, Vern made “the best and most important decision of my life” when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior, and was baptized on March 28, 2021. He knew he was never alone and knew where he was going when he passed.

One of the greatest lessons he taught us was that gratitude is a gift and he embraced it fully. He never complained about his situation or struggles, and showed tremendous love and gratitude for his family and everyone who helped him and befriended him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ervin K. and Margaret R. Koestel, and his wonderful brother-in-law Leonard D. Brest.

He is survived by his sister Rhonda (Koestel) Brest, niece Megan Luksha (Seth), niece Lindsay Julson (Ryan), and his nephews and niece, Hunter Savageau and Harper Luksha of Grand Junction, CO, and Jace & Kade Julson, of Basin, WY.

Vern will be missed and we will cherish the lessons he gave us and the love he shared with us.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at Brown’s Cremation & Funeral Service on Thursday, April 9, 2026 @ 1:00 pm. Vern was always a casual guy. Please come in jeans or casual dress. He would want you to be comfortable.

Immediately following the Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm, we will proceed to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, CO for a short honors ceremony.

We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Vern's Hospice team, Rebecca, Ty, Darlene, and others, as well as the special hospice staff at the Mike & Kay Ferris Care Center for the exceptional and loving care given to Vern.

In lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations please be made to HopeWest Hospice in the Mike & Kay Ferris Care Center at 3090 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506.