Freeport
Richard R. "Dick" Koester, 88, of Freeport, passed peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2016, at his home in Freeport surrounded by his adoring family.
A loving father, grandfather and devoted husband he was born April 12, 1928 in Freeport. He was the son of John and Leona (Schrader) Koester. He married JoAnn Clay June 28, 1953. Last week they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
He was a Sergeant First Class Korean War veteran 15th AAA 7th Division who was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star and a United Nations Service Medal.
He was a carpenter and foreman for J. Winter & Company, owned and operated Koester Korner Saw Shop in both Rock City and Freeport. He was a bus driver for Freeport School District 145 for 12 years. He attended Highland Community College and Rock Valley College. He later became an Insurance and Real Estate Broker owning Koester Real Estate and Insurance.
His desire to share his faith took him to all corners of the world. He humbly served for over 15 years as a missionary in Honduras, Irian Jaya Indonesia, China, Laos, Thailand, and Haiti; many times accompanied by his grandchildren.
He was active many years in Boy Scout troop #19 and Girl Scout troop #29 which included yearly trips to a variety of locations including Philmont Scout Ranch and International Girl Scout camp in England. He was honored with the "Award of Merit" for outstanding service from Boy Scouts of America Blackhawk Council.
Over the years he hosted numerous guests from around the world, including an American Field Service student from Australia for a year.
He was an active member of the American Legion, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Faith United Methodist Church, Korean War Veterans and most recently Crossroads Community Church.
Surviving are his wife, JoAnn of Freeport; his children, Cindy (Chris) Riley of Janesville, Dr. Alan (Dr. Deb) Koester of West Virginia, Jani (Denise Jess) Koester of Madison, Wisconsin, John (Cathy) Koester and Sue Koester (formerly Schmidt) both of Freeport; 1 sister, Evelyn (Allen) Baysinger of Freeport; 1 brother, Dale Koester of Freeport; 14 grandchildren (Pat, Carrie, David, Nikki, Reed, Zach, Rowan, Gemma, John, Matt, Mariah, Kevin, Arthur, Marissa); 5 great grandchildren (Alyssa, James, Kiel, Lily, Nina).
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sandra Jo Koester; and his brother, Sheldon Koester.
Visitation will be Saturday 8:30 a.m. until time of service at Crossroads Community Church on Saturday, July 9, 2016.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Crossroads Community Church. Burial will be in the Dakota Cemetery in Dakota.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Please leave a message in Richard's guestbook at www.walkermortuary.com.