Published on June 22, 2026 2:50 pm
Last Updated on June 22, 2026 2:50 pm
Donald F. Koester, 87, of Effingham, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 24, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, concluding with a 7:00 p.m. K.C. rosary. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Donald was born on October 15, 1938, in Effingham, IL, the son of Harold F. and Mildred (Will) Koester. He married Joan Willenborg on June 6, 1959. They recently celebrated their 67-year wedding anniversary. He graduated from Teutopolis High School in 1956. Donald and Joan were blessed with five children, Debbie, Greg, Carl, Alan and Dale. Donald made Effingham his home and resided there his entire adult life. Donald was employed in the construction industry personally building their own home shortly after getting married. He then was one of the first people hired by World Color Press in 1970. He worked there for 30+ years in the maintenance department including the last 15+ years as manager. After retirement, Donald was not one to simply sit around. He worked at B & L Machine and the Effingham Country Club in addition to assisting all his family with any projects they may have. He also enjoyed using his time & talents to help maintain the St Anthony School properties. Donald loved to play fast pitch softball and spent many nights during the summer at the ballpark with his wife and children. He loved to play cards and continued to do so until the end. He was also a golfer who loved playing at the Effingham Country Club. In the later years, he truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren play golf, baseball and basketball. He was a constant presence at the course, ball diamond or court and was always ready to give his critique, good or bad. Fishing was a passion that Donald enjoyed doing with his brothers-in-law. Donald’s journey on this earth was one marked with compassion, love for family and an unwavering love of God. Those who knew Don will remember his love for his family and the desire to simply spend time with them. He loved the simple things in life and his early morning coffee chats with friends. It was not unusual to see Donald and Joan sitting on their front porch waving to people driving by and just enjoying life. Most of all, he was committed to Joan, his wife, whom he loved longer than most can say. Donald, a lifelong member of St Anthony Parish had a wonderful faith filled life but also suffered immense loss that most people never have to endure. He suffered the loss of his father, Harold Koester in a tragic accident when Donald was only 19 years old. He lost his only daughter, youngest son and mother to illnesses. In addition to that, he lost two brothers and his only sister due to circumstances outside of anyone’s control. Throughout it all though, he remained positive and understood that God had a plan and he simply needed to accept that which he could not change.
Donald is survived by his wife, Joan Koester; sons, Greg (Kim) Koester, Carl (Deanna) Koester, and Alan (Debbie) Koester; son-in-law, Harry (Lynne) Hutchison; daughter-in-law, Linda Koester; grandchildren, Hope (Kyle) McBrain, Matthew (Kylie) Koester, Aaron (Alayna) Hutchison, Kathryn (Justin) Roepke, Courtney (Patrick) Johnson, Michael Koester, Tyler (Kelsey) Koester, Trey Koester, Regan Koester and Colin Koester. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren. Donald is also survived by brothers, Jim (Lucy) Koester, Charles (Linda) Koester, Dennis (Irene) Koester; sister-in-law, Katherine Koester, and brother-in-law, Larry Stein. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Marge Willenborg and Marge Pearcy; and brothers-in-law, Art Willenborg and Larry Willenborg.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra Hutchison; son, Dale Koester; brother, Tom Koester and his wife, Beverly Koester; brother, Eugene Koester; sister, Janet Stein; brothers-in-law, Mel Willenborg and Bill Pearcy; and sisters-in-law, Jeanne Willenborg and Pat Willenborg.