Frederick H. Koester, age 87, of Dixon, passed away Wednesday March 20, 2024, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, following a brief stay at the University of Iowa Hospitals burn unit due to an accident at his shop. A Celebration of Life get-together will be held at the Dixon American Legion on Saturday, April 20, starting at 2 p.m.
Fred was born in Davenport to Henry and Evelyn (Boyd) Koester on Sept. 8, 1936. He was honorably discharged from the Army after serving in Germany during the Korean era. He started his salvage yard, Koester’s Wrecking, in rural Dixon in the early 1960s. He married Shirley Carlson in Bethany, Mo. After living in Davenport for a short time, they moved to Dixon, where they raised their three children: Sheri (Kevin) Kelley of Aurora, Colo., Fritz Koester, and Kenny (Janet Schwanke) Koester of Dixon. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Kristen (John) Donahue, Karen (Jon) Barrett, Kevin Kelley Jr., Heather (Randy) Sutherland, Kyle (Leah) Koester, and Nikole, Shelbey, and Tanner Koester; six great-grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and four step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Kathryn Kelley; and his faithful friend and companion, Brutis.
Fred enjoyed coaching his boys in ball from Pee-Wee to Prep, and also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially his family, traveling, camping, the river, cooking, reading, music, and a good political debate. His memberships included Hope Lutheran Church in Dixon, Dixon American Legion Post 353, CASI, and the Plus 60 Club.
He will be missed by those that had the pleasure to know him.
Chapman Funeral Home has Fred and his family in their care. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.chapmanfh.com.
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