Ed Peter Koester (85) of Neoga

Ed Peter Koester 85 of Neoga, Illinois, passed away at 2:40 AM Sunday February 4, 2024 in the Heartland Senior Living Center in Neoga, Illinois.

He was born August 27, 1938 in Effingham, Illinois the son of Aloysius C. and Angela (Hooker) Koester. Ed graduated Highs school from Effingham and went into the United States Navy retiring June 20, 1977 as a Chief Petty Officer, he then went to work at World Color Press in Effingham, Illinois where also was retired. While he was in the Navy he met the love of his life Nola Frances Smith and they were married February 11, 1961 in Rotorua, New Zealand Nola passed away January 30, 2003. Ed was an Member of the St. Mary Of The Assumption Church in Neoga, Illinois, an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinal fan he loved going to the games and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed his backyard birds that came to the feeder at his lake house. Ed was very proud of all his sons and their families and was very proud he went with his son Craig on the Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Mr. Koester is survived by his sons, Craig Koester (Lisa) of Mattoon, Illinois, Brett Koester (Janet) of St. Charles, Missouri and Wayne Koester (Jo) of Nashville, Indiana; grandchildren, Abby, Nathan, Jamie, Baelyn, Emelia, Londyn and Kai; siblings, Joe Koester (Janet) of Ohio, Terry Koester of Effingham, Illinois, Karen Huff of Lincoln, Nebraska and Mary Slifer (Paul) of Shumway, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by, his parents; wife, Nola Koester; siblings, Merita Katz, Patrick Koester and Barbara Bell. Memorials are suggested to the Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight, the Neoga American Legion or Heartland Senior Living Auxiliary.

A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2024 in the St. Mary Of The Assumption Church in Neoga, Illinois. Visitation will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois. Burial will be in the Neoga Memorial Cemetery in Neoga, Illinois with Military Honors by the Neoga American Legion. online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.