Carl and Gladys Koehser Family Fund

Carl and Gladys Koehsers’ life story reads something like the proverbial “American Dream.” Born in Germany in 1923, Carl Koehser immigrated with his parents to the United States a year later. Their first stop was Ellis Island before settling in Illinois with a sponsor family – a requirement at the time of their move. Carl’s father worked on the sponsor family’s farm to repay them for the service of helping them start a life in America.

In 1946, Carl married Gladys, who was born in Bowen, Illinois. The pair spent their lives in the Bowen/Augusta area, both graduating from Bowen High School and later welcoming a son, David.

Carl and Gladys both made careers at State Bank of Augusta, Carl as President and Gladys first as a teller, then working her way up to Vice President. In 1990, they sold the bank and retired.

When their son mentioned the Community Foundation, Gladys was already familiar with the idea. She had given annual birthday gifts to her brother’s endowment fund with the Community Foundation, the Dr. & Mrs. Merle Crossland Family Fund. Carl and Gladys liked the idea of giving back to the community they’ve called home.

The Carl & Gladys Koehser Family Fund serves as a legacy honoring the region where the Koehser family first planted its roots in America.