Published on September 3, 2026 2:39 pm
Last Updated on September 3, 2026 2:39 pm
Evelyn E. “Evie” Koester, 91, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL, surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 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 Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to Willow Breeze Hospice House, CEFS Meals on Wheels of Effingham County, or donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Evie was born on June 23, 1935, in Bishop Creek, to Herman and Della (Esker) Probst. Following Herman’s passing, Della married Andrew Probst. Evie married Kenneth Koester on August 27, 1955 at St. Aloysius Church in Bishop. Kenneth preceded her in death on July 8, 2024.
Evie was warm-hearted and a soft-spoken caretaker who always had a kind word for everyone. She loved to sew and crochet. She would often patch the clothes of her loved ones and crochet baby afghans for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she greatly cherished. She enjoyed her
flower garden as well as playing cards and pitch. She was also known for her angel food cakes.
Evie is survived by her 10 children, Kathy (Ted) VanSant, Steve (Sandie Culver) 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; 32 great-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol (Max) Higgs and Pat Stock; brother, Weldon (Sharon) Probst; and sister-in-law, Karen Probst.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; sister, Mildred (Gene) Nosbisch; brother, Kenneth Probst; brothers-in-law, Jerry Stock and Richard (Madelyn) Koester.