Obituary of Ronald S. Koot

Dr. Ronald S. Koot, 79, of State College passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 26, 1937 in Windber, PA, the son of the late Stanley and Anna (Smarek) Koot. He married Jane (Bender) Koot, formerly of Sutherlin, OR on December 20, 1966, who survives at home. Preceded in death by parents, infant granddaughter Rhona Koot, and twin brothers Frank and John. He is survived by children Elisabeth (Terry) Popp of Mifflin, and Jon (Sarah) Koot of Clearfield and survived by granddaughters Natalie and Marissa Popp, and Eleanor Koot. His surviving siblings are Judith (Gary) Mosholder of Boswell and Carole (George E.) Kohler of Windber. Ronald was a 1955 graduate of Windber High School and then proudly served as Sgt in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated with high distinction from Penn State University in 1962, earning a B.S. degree in economics. He earned a Master's Degree and PhD in economics from the University of Oregon in 1967. He then returned to Penn State University as a professor of management science and finished his tenure as Associate Dean of the Smeal College of Business. He authored or co-authored more than 30 articles, papers, and monographs and had served as consultant for the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Treasury, and the PA Department of Transportation. He was a member of the American Economic Association, American Finance Association, Southwest Finance Association, and Decision Sciences Institute. He was listed in Who's Who in Economics, and was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society. Ronald was very proud of his Polish heritage and loved to celebrate Polish traditions. He was also an accomplished musician, playing the accordion, trumpet, and piano. He was a former member of the Camp Lejeune Jazz Quintet and the Marine Corps Marching Band. He enjoyed playing racquetball and golf, listening to jazz music, and most of all spending time with his three granddaughters. Ronald was a die-hard fan, supporter, and recruiter for Penn State wrestling. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory church where a funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 11:00am (800 Westerly Parkway, State College). Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Koch Funeral Home of State College from 5:00-7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Penn State Wrestling Club, P.O. Box 1103, State College, PA 16804 and/or The Music Academy of State College, 2790 W. College Ave, Suite 7, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.