JOHN KOESTER Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Gurnee, Illinois

CHARITY

American Cancer Society

John Koester formerly of Hawthorn Woods John Koester, 75, of Richmond, Ill., passed away at home on Monday, March 7, 2011, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Mount Prospect, graduated from Arlington High School, and attended the University of Illinois. He served in the Marine Corps and was stationed in El Toro Air Base, Calif., Squadron 121. John started his commercial aviation career with Mohawk Airlines, and in 1964, he was hired by American Airlines. For the next 32 years, Captain Koester was based out of Chicago retiring in 1996 flying the MD-11 to Europe. His retirement was filled with boating, golfing, and his grandchildren. Surviving John are his wife of 45 years, Beverly (nee Koper) of Richmond; daughter, Kathy Miller of Spring Grove, Ill.; son, John Koester of San Tan Valley, Ariz.; and brother, Arthur (Donna) Koester, of Welaka, Fla. He will be greatly missed by his five grandchildren, Grant, Carter and Kasey Miller of Spring Grove, and Jace and Jett Koester of San Tan Valley; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Joanne Albrecht and Jean Duffy; and his parents, Jean and Art Koester. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 13, at the Gurnee Funeral Home, 4190 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, from 4 to 8 p.m. only. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 14, at Most Blessed Trinity (formerly Queen of Peace), 910 14th St., North Chicago, at 10 a.m., with interment following in Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. Donations in John's memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Northeastern Hospice, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010, will be appreciated. Please be sure to sign our online guestbook at www.gurneefuneralhome.com. For information, 847-244-1155.

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Posting Guidelines|FAQ

Was so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our prayers and sympathy are
with you and your family during this sad time. Bruce & Faye (Cossette) Corey. (Downers Grove, IL)

March 15, 2011

I will miss you John. Dave Koester

March 14, 2011

Mrs. Koester, Kathy and John,
I am extremely sorry to read about the passing of John (Sr). I have many fond childhood memories of Acorn Acres, including all of you.
My heart breaks for all of you! Kelly Ingram (Polonec)

Kelly Ingram

March 14, 2011 | Dublin, OH

It was a privilege and honor to know and work with John whose professionalism and quiet , reassuring demeanor was appreciated by all who knew him. Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences rest with Beverly and family.

Wynn and Marilyn Church

March 13, 2011

Want to express my thoughts and sympathy to John's family. Great memories from 60 to 70 years ago when many hours were spent riding bikes around Mt. Prospect and riding in John's cars during our high school years. Sorry can't be there to extend my condolences personally.

Marshall Dahlstrom

March 12, 2011 | Palm Desert, CA

Bev and kids both judy and I regret not being able to be there for john and you.We will always remember the fun times we had in florida and how we both enjoyed all the times we had together.We will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts

Norb&Judy Friedman

March 12, 2011 | Peoria, AZ

Dear Beverly, Kathy, John, and grandchildren,
Our heartfelt sadness for the loss of John, a gentle gentleman. I told Zoe, Uncle John will be coming to meet her and she will know him by his smile. Family and friends will see that same smiling face as they welcome John into heaven.

All our hugs of love and prayers,
Bob & Leah Koziol

Bob & Leah Koziol

March 12, 2011 | Wadsworth, IL

Bev,

I am so sorry to hear about John. I am a Koester cousin. I lost my husband last December to cancer so I know what you are going through. Please know I am thinking about you.

Barbara Koester Lyall

March 12, 2011 | Leesburg, FL

Please accept our sincerest condolences. Berk and I both think JOHN was one GREAT GUY! May wonderful memories sustain you all during this difficult time. God bless you Beverly and all the family.

Berk & Betty Berkebile

March 12, 2011 | Huntley, IL

JOHN KOESTER

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