Kesterson, Jack (John) Frederick

Jack (John) Frederick Kesterson, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at The First Church of the Open Bible, 1911 E Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. Funeral Services will be held at the church on Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City.

Jack was born in Dedham, Iowa on April 14, 1935, the son of Niles B. and Anna (Thielen) Kesterson. He entered the United States Army in October 1957 and served in military intelligence in Germany, where he met the love of his life. Gisela. He was honorably discharged in October 1959 and returned to Iowa, where he continued to work as a retail store manager. Gisela came to the United States on Valentine's Day of 1960 and the couple were married shortly thereafter on May 4, 1960.

Jack was extremely proud of his family: wife, Gisela; son, David; and daughter, Sheryl.

Jack is survived by his son, David A. Kesterson (Trudi) of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Riley, Caleb and Haley Kesterson and Andrew Rodgers; a brother, Ray Kesterson (Shirley) of Spencer; sisters-in-law, Agnes Kesterson of Fort Dodge and Connie Kesterson of Charter Oak; 21 nieces and nephews; and also Jack's very special friends, Jim and Jean Vandivier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gisela; two brothers, Niles P. Kesterson and Floyd H. Kesterson; and the untimely death of his daughter, Sheryl Kesterson Sueppel; son-in-law, Steven Sueppel; and four wonderful grandchildren, Ethan, Seth, Mira and Eleanor Sueppel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Jack Kesterson Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com under obituaries.

Published Aug. 25, 2012 in The Gazette