Harold "Gene" Koester (76) of Effingham

Harold “Gene” Koester, 76, of Effingham, IL, passed away Monday, November 21, 2022 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to your local veteran’s organization. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Gene was born on November 10, 1946, in Effingham, IL, the son of Adolph and Mary (Webb) Koester. He married Nancy A. Hartke on April 5, 1970 in Effingham. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army. He had worked at Steven’s Industries for 23 years. Gene loved to fish and go to the casinos. He also was an avid coin collector. Gene had a great sense of humor and wit. He was a life member of AmVet, DAV, and VFW Post 1769, and a member of the American Legion Post 120. Most importantly, Gene was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Gene is survived by his wife, Nancy Koester; daughter, Sherry (Eric) Meyers; son, Brad Koester, grandchildren, Drew (Leandra) Meyers, Megan (Phil) Meinhart, and Katiaryna Bell-Koester; and great-grandchildren, Madilyn Garrison, Jaxon Meyers, and one great-granddaughter on the way.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Michelle, and brother and sister-in-law, Clifford (Dolores) Koester.