Koesters, Francis E. (1928 – 2024)

KOESTERS, SCHEURING, KRAMER, SCHWERY, MAHLBERG, ZIMMERMAN, GUBBELS

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 1/17/2025 at 17:23:52

Name of deceased: Francis E. Koesters

Aged: 96 yrs, 6 mo.

Residence: Earling, Shelby County, IA

Born: June 17, 1928; rural Earling, Shelby County, IA

Died: Dec. 17, 2024; Earling, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024; St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Earling, IA

Survived by: Children, James Koesters, Cindy (spouse, Jim) Scheuring, and Allan Koesters; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, siblings, Madonna Kramer, Alice Schwery, and Janice (spouse, Pete) Mahlberg; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Anthony and Johanna (nee Zimmerman) Koesters; wife, Mary Ann (deceased June 24, 2024); children, Mary Koesters, Ann Koesters, Diane Koesters, Francis Koesters, Jr., and an infant son; siblings, Alvin and Robert Koesters

Education: no information provided

Religious affiliation: no information provided

Military service: Drafted into the U. S. Army on Feb. 19, 1951; he shipped out to U.N. Operations in Korea and was stationed at or north of the 38th Parallel. This was a combat zone. He was awarded a Korean Service Medal with one Campaign Bronze Star. He was also awarded a U.N. Service medal with Combat Infantry Badge; was honorably discharged at Camp Carson, CO on Feb. 12, 1953.

Marriage: Mary Ann Gubbels; Oct. 2, 1956; location not provided

Employment: After completing his military service, Francis returned home and found work in the winter months at Omaha packing plants, returning to Shelby County in the spring to help farm. During his farming career, Francis built or rebuilt all of the buildings on his farm. Additionally, in 1953 Francis purchased a truck-mounted sheller and began doing custom work for area farmers. He ran a dependable farm service for 58 years, closing it in March 2011.

Hobbies/Interests: In later years, Francis and Mary Ann traveled south to enjoy the warmer climates.

Sources: Pauleyjones.com