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Kester, Louis Edward
Louis Edward Kester, 90, of Manchester, died at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012.
He was born Nov. 19, 1921, in rural Coggon, the son of Alfred G. and Clara M. (Bading) Kester. He was raised and attended rural country school in the Coggon area, and then began farming the family farm. Louis served honorably in the United States Army during World War II from September 1946 until June 1947.
Louis was united in marriage to Vaneta Wall on June 14, 1949, in Central City. Together they began farming near Coggon and then bought a farm south of Lamont in the spring of 1956. They continued farming until 1983 when they retired to Manchester.
Louis was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Manchester American Legion. Family was his life, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed taking walks, being outdoors, and riding his bicycle around the neighborhood.
Survivors include his wife, Vaneta of Manchester; six children, Gary (Pam) Kester of San Diego, Calif., Janet (Roger) Miersen of Marion, Virginia Kester of Dillon, Colo., Jim Kester of Lake Havasu, Ariz., Diane (Mick Pingel) Kester of Austin, Texas, and John (Kristi) Kester of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, plus one on the way; two brothers, Glenn Kester of Walker and Allen Kester of Schertz, Texas; three sisters-in-law, Doris Cole of Decorah, Veronica Kester of Cedar Rapids and Jeanette Kester of Jesup; and one brother-in-law, Bob (Linda) Wilson of Ottumwa.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Gene, Francis, Richard and Darrell; one sister, Edna Wilson; and one sister-in-law, Jane Kester.
Leonard-Muller Funeral home is assisting the family with the services.
Online condolences may be sent to .
Mass of Resurrection: 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manchester, by the Rev. Richard Gaul. Visitation: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Manchester, with military rites by Manchester American Legion Post 45.
Published Nov. 15, 2012 in The Gazette
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