Ronald George Koester, 82, of Eldorado, Iowa, passed away Saturday July 9, 2022 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. Ron was born on July 5, 1940 to the late Rudy and Selma (Schatz) Koester. He attended country school in Dover 4 in Eldorado and graduated in 1958 from North High School in West Union, Iowa. Ron was united in marriage on June 3, 1961 to Arlene Alcorn at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA. Arlene and Ron were high school sweethearts.
He attended Luther College for 1 year before returning to take over his father’s farm after his father’s passing. He worked for John Deere foundry in Waterloo. He was active in 4-H, church council, card clubs, fishing, deer hunting, and working the farm with his family. He enjoyed canning and gardening, and his flowers and fruit trees. He loved life, his family, grandkids and great-grandchildren. He was known for his smile.
Ron is survived by his children Jeff (Sandy) Koester of Eldorado, Jim (Lori) Koester of West Union, Jay (Cheryl) Koester of Manchester, Kristine (Mark) Meitner of Eldorado, Melisa (Tim) Lenth of Luana, and Ronda Koester of Decorah. Also survived by his grandchildren Danielle (Craig) Gefaller, Mandy (Jake) Stamp, Liz (Tim) Hageman, Megan (Vince) Wilson, Nicole (Jake) Koester, Rudy (Erin) Koester, Lucas (Maria) Koester, Kayla (Brendan) Erickson, Karissa Meitner, Kerrin Meitner, Julie Lenth and Jaxon Lenth, as well as 13 great-grandchildren.
Ron was proceeded in death by his wife Arlene, his parents Rudy and Selma (Schatz) Koester a grandson Benjamin Koester and many other family members.
Due to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church being under construction, the visitation and funeral will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.
A Visitation will be held Monday, July 18, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. There will also be a one hour visitation before service at the church on Tuesday.
Funeral will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, July 19, 2022 with Pastor Darryl Thompson officiating.
Burial to follow at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Eldorado, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.