February 21, 1941 – August 24, 2026
Donald “Don” Keith Koetke, 85, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Edmonton Alberta, he was the son of the late Fred and Thora (Lindström) Koetke.
Don is survived by his wife of 27 years, Diane (Budd) Koetke, sons Scott Douglas Koetke (Grace) and David Andrew Koetke (Katherine); granddaughters Olivia Koetke and Sophia Koetke; stepsons Ron Gallant, Stephen Gallant and Bobby Gallant; step-grandchildren Olivia Capson, Natashja Gallant and Nyla Gallant.
Don was the last surviving member of his immediate family, he was predeceased by his parents, twin brother Douglas, brother Gerald and sister Doris.
Don leaves behind fond memories of his zeal for life, affable personality, love of travel, food, and family. Early in his life, he set out for adventure by leaving his native province of Alberta, to enlist with the RCMP, graduating from their Regina academy in 1961. He accepted his first assignment in the francophone community of St-Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba, where he made the first of many lifelong friends. He married Darlene in 1964, and was assigned to Beausejour, Manitoba. They soon welcomed sons Scott & David, and settled in pretty valley community of Minnedosa, Manitoba. Don so loved it there that he declined a transfer and left the RCMP. Don’s social nature meant he was a natural salesman – he moved into the Insurance and Investment industry, working for Crown Life and Wawanesa for many years. Ever the adventurer, he embarked on another life transition in 1996, becoming a long-distance trucker in 1996. He met the love of his life, Diane, and they married on Sept 11, 1999. This precipitated a move to Diane’s hometown of Moncton, New Brunswick. Don loved every community he was a part of. He explored and enjoyed Atlantic Canada, and all that it had to offer. Don & Diane worked together in the trucking industry for a number of years which allowed them to form and maintain connections with friends and family across North America. They enjoyed travel to warmer climates in the winter, especially California, and Texas. They were hosts at an RV park in Texas for a couple of winters.
To know Don was to appreciate his easy manner. He related to anyone and everyone. He was physically very active well into his 70s enjoying hiking, skiing, mountain biking, tennis to name but a few of his hobbies. Don was diagnosed with PLS (Primary lateral sclerosis) in 2015. He continued to be active as long as possible, exploring attractions in the Maritimes, touring around Moncton in his electric wheelchair – seeing new faces & places as long as possible!!
Don’s recent years were largely spent at home, under the outstanding care provided by Diane. Diane learned all the skills required to care for him at home as long as possible, which no doubt allowed Don to live 11 years after diagnosis. We would like to thank the team at Albert House in Moncton, who provided excellent hospice care in Don’s final days. We would also like to thank the ALS Society of NB/NS for their support during Don’s illness, providing guidance, counselling and loaned equipment. We sincerely appreciate the support and guidance provided by Dr. Colleen O’Connell & her team at Stan Cassidy, as well as the Driscoll and BBU Extramural Programs.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at Fergusons Funeral Home Chapel, 1657 Mountain Rd. Moncton NB (506-858-1995).
Donations in memoriam may be made to ALS Society of NB/NS, PAWS Moncton, Albert House or to Stan Cassidy Centre. Online condolences may be shared at: www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
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