Raymond J. Koesters

Raymond J. Koesters, age 97 of Cassella, passed away Friday, November 8, 2019 at Briarwood Village, Coldwater.  He was born on May 22, 1922 in Dayton, to the late August & Clara (Schroeder) Koesters.  On February 5, 1949 he married Thelma (Dahlinghaus) Koesters, and she passed away October 7, 2004.  He is survived by children: Rita & Tom Gaerke of Union City, OH, Tom & Karen Koesters of Indianapolis, IN, June & Mark Hoying of McCartyville, John Koesters & Janine Jones of Dillsboro, IN, and Carl & Sharon Koesters of Cassella.  Ray is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren one on the way, and 9 step great grandchildren.

Ray was the last living member of his family, and was preceded in death by two infant children, a granddaughter, Jodi Koesters, siblings and in-laws, Clarence & Octavia Koesters, Josephine & Art Schroer, Julian & Frances Koesters, Helena & John Sadler, Regina & Richard Klus, Albert & Vivian Koesters, Herbert Koesters, Earl & Lanora Dahlinghaus, Norma Jean & Paul Wilbur, and Vern & Marlene Dahlinghaus.

He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Cassella, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and on the bereavement committee, and the former C.K. of A., now the Catholic Financial Life of Cassella.  He was a lifelong farmer and bus driver for 22 years for Marion Local Schools.  He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during WWII.  Ray was a member of the Maria Stein Legion, where he was a Past Commander.  He was an avid Reds fan, loved playing cards, and cheering on his Marion Local Flyers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2019 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Cassella.  Burial with military honors will follow in Nativity Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 until 6 pm Sunday November 10, 2019 and 9:00 until 10:00 am Monday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.   Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care.  Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com