James O. Koester

James O. Koester, 82, of Delphos, passed away Friday morning, May 2, at his residence. His Family... He was born September 16, 1931 in Ottoville to the late Anthony and Petronella (Greulich) Koester. He married Vera (Osting) Koester on September 11, 1954, who preceded him in death on May 4, 2013. He is survived by two sons, Anthony Koester and Mark (Sherri) Koester, both of Delphos; three daughters, Pamela Ellerbrock, Sue (Bob) Will, both of Delphos and Kim (Mike) Korte of Fort Jennings; twelve grandchildren, Isaac Koester, Lynn Ellerbrock, Nikki (Russ) Brown, Natasha Korte, Ashley (Brandon) Siefker, Tanya Korte, Tyler Koester, Ryan Koester, Kristina Koester, Robert Will Jr., Christopher Will and Andrea Will; four great-grandchildren, Mykal Brown, Skyler Brown, Jane Brown and Landen Siefker; two sisters, Connie Koester of Fort Wayne, Betty (Paul) Altenburger of Ottoville; two sisters-in-law, Margie Koester of Ottoville and Ruth ‘Sis' Schimmoeller of Delphos. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas and Ralph Koester; and a son-in-law Paul Ellerbrock. His Legacy... James was retired from Trim Trends (Hayes Albion) in Spencerville after 42 years of service. He was also a part-time driver for Lenny Hilvers of Ottoville. Those who worked with Jim know there weren't too many men who worked harder than he. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and a member of the Delphos Eagles. While not hard at work, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events, playing cards, fishing, taking walks, and coffee with friends. His Farewell Services... Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Reinhart, officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Strayer Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Health Professionals of Delphos, PSA3 Council on Aging, Lock 16 Meals on Wheels, or donor's choice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James O. Koester please visit our Sympathy Store.

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