Kenneth C. Koester, 91, of Effingham

Kenneth C. Koester, 91, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024 at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 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. on Monday at the church.  Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Anthony Church or Willow Breeze Hospice House. Online condolences may be shared  by clicking here.

Kenneth was born on March 28, 1933, in Effingham, IL, the son of Fred and Helen (Donsbach) Koester. He attended Bull Flat School and later Teutopolis High School.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War for 2 years.  He married Evelyn Probst at Bishop Creek in August of 1955.

Kenneth was a farmer and worked in construction and carpentry.  He enjoyed hunting and camping.  He also liked puzzles, playing cards, and telling stories.  He was an avid Cardinals fan.  Kenneth was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Church as well as a member of the Effingham VFW and the Effingham Knights of Columbus.  His wife and grandkids were the joy of his life and he loved spending time with his family.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Evelyn Koester; 10 children, Kathy (Ted) Van Sant, Steve (fianceé, Sandie) Koester, Mark (Deb) Koester, Jean (Jeff) Fearday, Jane (Doug) Storm, Karen (Tony) Flach, Dan (Norma) Koester, Mary (Dave) Antrim, Becky (Scott) Howard, and Paula (Tom) McGuire; 24 grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; and an infant sister.