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Mary Kester
MARY VERONICA KESTER
Ryan
Mary Veronica Kester, 99, formerly of Ryan, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017, at Hallmar Residential Care Center in Cedar Rapids.
She was born April 5, 1918, in Delaware County, the daughter of James and Agnes (Moroney) Keegan. She attended country school near Ryan, graduating from Coggon High School in 1936.
After graduation, Veronica worked as a bookkeeper for Great Plains Lumberyard in Ryan and Ryan Creamery and as a switchboard operator in the Ryan telephone office. However, she was most proud of her work as a farmwife and mother. On March 26, 1951, Veronica married Francis A. Kester at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan. Five children were born to this union.
Following retirement from farming, the couple moved to Marion, where they attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. Francis passed away Sept. 22, 2006.
Veronica resided at Hallmar Residential Care Center in Cedar Rapids for the past seven years. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan and the Ryan American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, attending meetings of the Democratic Party, and spending time with family.
Survivors include her five children, Mary (Bruce) Kuhn of Aurora, Colo., Theresa (Doug) Andrus of Grand Marais, Minn., Larry Kester of Waterloo, Karen (Chris) Schendt of Papillion, Neb., and Kathy (Ralph) Waltman of Columbia, Mo.; six grandchildren, Adam Kuhn, Ryan (Carrie) Kuhn, Ian (Rachel) Andrus, Ross (Minda) Andrus and Savannah and Austin Schendt; four great-grandchildren, Nora, Grant, Madison and Dylan Andrus; a brother, Vincent Keegan of Robins; one sister, Catherine McCusker of Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.
Veronica was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Kester, in 2006; her parents; and two sisters, Lavina Claus and Rita Keegan.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan, with the Rev. Joseph Schneider officiating. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, with a 4 p.m. Scripture service. Friends also may call one hour before the Mass on Saturday at the church. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Ryan.
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