Louise L. Koester (née Meinert), 94, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Illinois. Born on March 25, 1930, in Granite City, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Elmer and Vesta (Miller) Meinert.
On April 8, 1949, in McLeansboro, Illinois, Louise married her soulmate, John D. Koester. Their love story spanned 56 beautiful years until his passing in 2005.
Louise was a devoted member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Granite City, Illinois, where she was a member of the choir and an officer of the Ladies Aid Society. She was an enthusiastic bowler, enjoying the sport well into her 80s. She was known for her culinary skills that included her famous rum balls, sweet potato casserole and countless jars of homemade jelly.
A talented crocheter, Louise crafted Christmas ornaments to sell at church bazaars and small ducks filled with jelly beans, sold nationwide and donated all proceeds to her church. She cherished the outdoors, spending time camping with family and friends, and proudly visited all 50 states. Louise’s legacy of faith, compassion, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John D. Koester; and her sisters, Bertha Abel and Betty Hamilton.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Dale (Connie) Koester, of Collinsville, Illinois, Alan (Carolyn) Koester, of Edwardsville, Illinois, Connie (Jim) Ahlers, of Edwardsville, Illinois, Barry (Paula) Koester, of Granite City, Illinois, and Vicki (Rick) Branding, of Granite City, Illinois; her grandchildren, Katie (Andrew) Kasper, Nicholas (Erica) Koester, Richard Ramirez, Adam (Jessica) Koester, Mark (Amber) Koester, Angela (Robert) Turner, Jaimee (Matt) Loftus, Jeff (Courtney) Ahlers, John (Ashley) Ahlers, Christy Koester, Herman Reiser, Casey (Paul) Yehling, Kenneth Reiser, Brianna Branding, and Allison Branding; and her 25 great grandchildren, who lovingly called her GG; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorials are appreciated to Concordia Lutheran Church or the March of Dimes. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois and from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 2305 Grand Ave., Granite City, Illinois.
Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 2305 Grand Ave, Granite City, Illinois. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, Illinois.
