Wayne Eugene Koester

Wayne Eugene Koester, age 90, of Hustisford, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Wayne was born on May 19, 1935, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, to Edgar Sr. and Katherine (née Miller) Koester. He spent 37 years working at International Stamping, where he proudly served as a welder, forklift driver, and high-rise operator before retiring.

Wayne enjoyed life to the fullest especially spending time with his family. He loved camping in Shawano, taking minibus trips, gambling, playing cards and was an excellent hunter, trap shooter, and fisherman. He could often be found shooting pool or cheering on his favorite teams, the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks. Wayne especially treasured time traveling, with Las Vegas being a favorite destination. And if there was ice cream involved, Wayne never said no.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Jean Koester; his children, Michael Koester of West Bend, Dawn Schmidt of Las Vegas, Nevada, James (Cheryl) Schmidt of Iron Ridge, Pamela Schmidt of Jackson, Debra (Jamie) Barchus of Greenfield, Keith (Sue) Schmidt of Watertown, and Carolyn Schmidt of West Bend; his brother, Raymond Koester of Pewaukee. He is further survived by 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Sr. and Katherine Koester; his daughter, Jeanette Schmidt; his brothers, Edgar Jr., Lawrence, Heinz, and Richard Koester; his sisters, Rosemarie Derosia and Elaine Staszak; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Josie.

Funeral services for Wayne will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Shimon Funeral Home (824 Union Street, Hartford, Wisconsin). Family and friends may gather from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:30 p.m. Chaplain Colleen Mas will be officiating.
Interment will take place the following day at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hartford, Wisconsin, with the procession departing from Hartford Bible Church (621 Abbott Ave, Hartford, WI 53027) at 12:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Pavilion of Glacier Valley in Slinger and the Aurora Hartford Hospital Hospice team and Chaplain Colleen Mas for their compassionate care.