KOESTER, Richard (Dick) Anton
December 9, 1926 - September 4, 2013
Dick passed away peacefully Wednesday September 4, 2013 at age 86, after suffering a stroke. Dick was born December 9, 1926 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. His family moved here in 1929, settled in and began farming in Rockyford, Alberta. He married the love of his life Esther (“Honey”) on January 17, 1950. He leaves behind his loving wife Esther of 63 years. His 5 children: Glenn Koester (Lois), Dianne Shymanski, Mary Marshman, Robert Koester (Jacqueline) and Karen Koester (Robert Kloppenborg). His 13 grandchildren: Brenda Struiksma (Paul), Terryll Koester (Mykella Hekkanen), Ian Koester (Natasha), Robin Stirler (Jonathon), Carrie Sine (Greg), Lorelee Shymanski, Tracy Keith (Duncan), Kathy Herriot (Lance), Craig Marshman, Kim Salt (Ben), Ronnie Koester (Jayne), Darcy Koester (Megan) and Julie Wallace (Grant). His 15 Great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn & Riley Struiksma, Thea, Griffin & Sienna Koester, Evan & Brady Sine, Adam & Matthew Shymanski, Jackson & Brooklyn Keith, Josie & Jenna Herriot, Dustin Koester and Tessa Wallace. His sister Annie Dopking, sisters-in-law Tillie Koester, Irena Hagel, Irene Krenzel and Sara Krenzel, his brother-in-law Albert Krenzel and wife Millie. He was pre-deceased by his parents Mary Ann & Joeseph Anton Koester, 7 brothers and sisters, his first born son Brian and two sons-in-law Billy Shymanski & Dwayne Marshman. Dick had farming in his blood; he began as a young man farming with his brothers and never really stopped. His last venture forth was a drive through the countryside; doing what he loved – checking crops and making sure his sons were getting harvest underway. In 1978 Dick & Esther moved into town when he then began his second “round” of farming as a crop adjuster for AFSC. He met many people and made many more friends along the way. When he retired from AFSC he continued to sell hail insurance well into his early 80’s. Dick was a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Monsignor Killen Council #3004 as well as a 4th Degree Knight of the Father Doucet Assembly #006. He was a life-long supporter of the Rockyford community and St Rita’s parish. Some of his favorite pastimes were: camping, travelling, curling, golfing, buying 50/50 tickets at the arena while watching his grandchildren (and the Cook girls) then great grandchildren play ringette and the odd game of hockey. He always enjoyed a good story and a hearty laugh. A prayer service was held on Monday, September 9, 2013 at St. Rita’s Parish (Rockyford) at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at St. Rita’s Parish (Rockyford) at 11:00 a.m. The family has requested in lieu of flowers donations may be made directly to the” White Rose” Program at the Foothills Hospital (c/o Calgary Stroke Program, Greatest Needs, Foothills Medical Centre Site Office, AC136 Special Services Building, 1403 – 29th Street N.W., Calgary, T2N 2T9 or by email at fundraising@calgaryhealthtrust.ca). To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.
