Cindy Lou Koestler

Cindy Lou Koestler, 71, passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023, at The Huntsman Cancer Hospital. She was born on March 25, 1952, in Ogden, UT to Gerald Koestler and Barbara Spiers. She was raised and educated in Ogden by her grandparents Darrell and Lucille Spiers with whom she lived with, she was grateful for their love and support. Mom moved to and lived in Alaska for the remainder of her life.

Mom was a chef for most of her career, working in various restaurants and on fishing vessels. She later studied and graduated with three degrees in Holistic Healing at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She was very proud of this accomplishment.

Our Mom had a love for dogs, she chose to pass on that love and to celebrate the day that we honor dogs, National Dog Day. She donated time and money in the rescue and placement of all dogs to new homes, with German Shepherds being her favorite. She also loved having a small farm with her garden, chickens, turkeys, ducks and her beloved goats. Mom loved a good adventure. She moved to Alaska and fell in love with the beauty and gorgeous landscape. She never looked back.

Cindy had 6 children, 21 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She taught her children to be independent and strong.

Cindy is survived by four daughters and one son, Veronica Wilhelm, Brandie Lee (Chris), Tyman O’Reilly (Brooke), Jamie Larson (Clay), and Pepper Orozco; a brother and two sisters. Her 21 grandchildren included, Brady Miller, Anson Miller (Taylor), Billy Carr, Morgan Carr, Zachary Cutler, Christian Cutler (Alexis), Jacob Cutler (Destinee), Alex Cutler, Shea O’Reilly, Jay O’Reilly, Jaden O’Reilly, Tyman O’Reilly, Ronan O’Reilly, Bradyn Jenkins, Shelby Jenkins, Tyric Putnam, Carter Orozco, Candace Orozco, Raven Orozco, Anicia Orozco, Rachel Tooker. Her great-grandchildren included Tayson Miller, Tenali Miller, Ayden Cutler, and baby boy Cutler. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Orozco; mother, Barbara Crandall; father, Gerald Koestler; and two brothers.

We would like to recognize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for always being there for our mother.

We would also like to send our love and appreciation to the amazing staff of ICU and the fourth-floor doctors, Dr. Kalani Raphael and Dr. Johanna Purdy, the many nurses including her favorite ICU nurse Dirk, CNA’s and CNS Hospice team at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital that showed so much love and attention to our mother.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to your favorite animal rescue group, mom would love that.

Burial will take place at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park at a later date.