Mr. Koesterer worked as a molder at G&S Foundry in Freeburg, IL, and later became a custodian at Freeburg Community High School. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, and the Freeburg Sportsmen’s Club. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II having served in the Pacific Theatre, Russel was a lifelong member of American Legion Freeburg Post 550.
Russel was very close to his family, including his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and enjoyed watching them grow up. He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and being with his many lifelong friends. In later years, he especially enjoyed repairing old bicycles and his daily workouts with his friends at the local gym.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Opal D., nee Helbig, Koesterer, whom he married on November 27, 1969, and who died on December 31, 2006; his parents, Emil and Edith, nee Mudd, Koesterer; two brothers, Arthur and Harry Koesterer; and three sisters, Florence Knobeloch, Rose Reichling, and Alice Knobeloch.
Surviving are two sons and four daughters, Virgil (Jan) Oeltjen of Creal Springs, IL,
John (Kay) Oeltjen of Des Peres, MO,
Jane (Bill) Self of St. Louis, MO,
Ora Mae (Jeff) Wood of St. Louis, MO,
Judy Haegele of Waterloo, IL,
And Janice (Chris) Starek of Cape Girardeau, MO;
12 grandchildren, Sheila Nolan, Kara (Chris) Hamilton, Brian (Jill) Oeltjen,
Leanne (George) Hausdorf, Dena (Scott) Leuchter, Greg (Liz) Oeltjen,
David Oeltjen, Laura (Rob) Welch, Mark Wood,
Staci Wood, Kyle Starek, and Alex Starek;
15 great-grandchildren;
a brother, Sam Koesterer of Freeburg, IL;
a sister-in-law, Bertha Juenger of Lenzburg, IL;
and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, with Father Mark Reyling officiating. Private burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.
Condolences Left For Russel Koesterer
Koesterer Family.
Sorry on the loss of your father.
He was a quiet neighbor always keeping
up his yard etc.
He enjoyed his time at Cedar Trails.
May he rest in peace.
Jack &Anna Marie Crowe, Freeburg , Illinois, 62243
I grew up knowing the family and graduating with Ora. After I married my husband and Russel grew to be good friends. Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family.
Paula (Miller) and Leonard Hilmes
Leonard and Paula Hilmes, Freeburg, IL, 62243
Sorry To hear about my good friend Russel. I was out of state the month of February and missed his funeral. I worked with Russel many years. I always enjoyed conversation with him. After his retirement we had occasion to talk with each other at Gary’s. I also provided him with many bicycles, which he repaired and sold. He was a kind and gentle person. With deepest regards. Dr. Roger Rubemeyer, Superintendent School Dist. 77 (retired)
Roger, Freeburg, ILL, 62243