Dale J. Koester

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Dale J. Koester, age 90, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Freeport, IL.

Dale was born on June 29, 1936 in Freeport, IL to John and Leona (Schrader) Koester. He married Kathleen (Kay) A. Koester on October 2, 1971.

He worked as a Machine Tool and Die Maker, including 30 years at CPM (California Pellet Mill), and briefly with Stephenson County and Freeport High School before retiring.

Dale enlisted into the US Army on September 27, 1956 and was honorably discharged from service on September 30, 1962, receiving a Good Conduct Medal for Marksmanship. He was also a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, loved the Green Bay Packers, rival to his wife's Detroit Lions.

His passions included: anything involving tools, wood working, antique repair, gardening, cooking, motorcycles and snowmobiling, as well as traveling with his late wife.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister Evelyn Baysinger (and husband Allen), their two sons Allen Jr. and Joshua, and two brothers, Richard Koester (and wife, JoAnn) and Sheldon Koester.

He is survived by nieces and nephews: Cindy (Chris) Riley, Alan (Deb) Koester, Jani (Denise Jess) Koester, John (Cathy) Koester, Sue Koester, Pam Koester (Sheldon's wife) Dionne Koester-Fernandez, Kirsten (Kris) Kiracofe, and Danny Koester as well as 18 great nieces and nephews, and 11 great-great nieces and nephews.

And his special friend, Sue Jones and her daughter Anna (Gerardo Marquez) Jones-Marquez.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Mortuary, 321 W. Main Street, Freeport, IL. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Dale has requested that donations be given to Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Rd., Freeport, IL in his memory because he loved his dogs, Charky, Chipper, Tuffy and Trouble. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.