KOESTER, Esther

KOESTER,Esther 

July 2, 1928 to 

July 1, 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our Mom, Esther Koester, on July 1, 2020 just one day shy of her 92nd birthday. Esther was predeceased by her husband Richard (Dick) in 2013, their first born son Brian (1951) and her 2 sons-in-law Bill Shymanski (2010) and Dwayne Marshman (2012). She leaves behind her much loved and ever-growing family.  Her 5 Children and 13 grandchildren: Glenn (Lois) their 4 children: Brenda (Paul), Terryll (Mykella), Ian (Natasha) and Robin (Jon).  Dianne Shymanski and her 3 children: Carrie (Greg), Lorelee and Tracy (Duncan).  Mary Marshman and her 3 children: Kathy (Lance), Craig and Kim (Ben).  Robert (Jacqueline) and their 3 children: Ronnie (Jayne), Darcy (Megan) and Julie (Grant). Last but not least, Karen (Rob). Plus her 19 Great-Grandchildren, her sister Irena Hagel and brother Albert (Millie) Krenzel.  Countless nieces, nephews and the best neighbours ever Larry & Vickey Cook. Mom sorely missed Dad these past 7 years, but she did amazing! She quickly learned that she was more than capable of managing her household and even mastered FaceTime on her Smartphone.  She diligently did her mile a day on her treadmill and went to weekly fitness classes.  The garden she planted every year benefited her kids and her neighbours.  Mom took great pride in keeping her house & yard looking immaculate.  She still drove right up to her last trip to Strathmore. Mom’s deep faith in God provided a sense of peace throughout her life.  She was an avid and faithful supporter and worshipper at St. Rita’s Parish. 

Mom and Dad loved to travel.  They had taken numerous cruises and a few overseas tours, but their favourite was their 5th wheel trailer.  Many winters were spent in the sunny USA with friends, Odo & Sharon, Eugene & Janis, Pete & Marie, Ralph & Anne, Louie & Lillian to name just a few. Mom will be fondly remembered for her baking (cinnamon buns) and her constant knitting (dish cloths). She will be dearly missed by family, friends and the Rockyford community. 

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nursing staff at the Strathmore hospital for their genuine care and concern for Mom. 

A private family service will be held in Rockyford on Friday July 10, 2020.  The service will be videotaped and access to viewing it will be attached to Esther’s obituary following the service at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca  

A community Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Rita’s Parish (Box 130 Rockyford AB T0J 2R0) the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (200, 119 14 St. NW Calgary AB T2N 1Z6 or www.heartandstroke.ca) or the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society (Box 2154 Strathmore AB T1P 1K2 or wheatlandhospice.ca). 

To send condolences, please visit Esther’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca