John Raymond Koester

August 1, 1942 - August 9, 2021

John Raymond Koester, 79, of St. Clement, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church with Fr. Henry Ussher officiating. Visitation will be Friday, August 13, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home and Crematory in Bowling Green. John was born August 1, 1942 in St. Clement, Missouri, the son of Thelma (Orf) and Herman Koester. He grew up and was raised in St. Clement on the family farm. He married Brenda Swarnes on September 24, 1966 in St. Clement. She survives. John was a self-employed dozer operator for more than 50 years. He continued the family farm where he raised hogs, cattle, and field crops. When not working, which wasn’t often, John enjoyed camping and going to the State Fair. John was a member of the St. Clement Knights of Columbus. John was a veteran, serving in the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children Stefanie (Marty), John Jr. (Lisa), and Jerry (Tiffany); grandson, John Koester; brothers, James (Linda), Harold, and David (Sherry); mother-in-law, Marilyn Elliott; and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Ham Koester; sister, Willeyne Hearn; brother, Herman Gerard Jr.; nephew, Jimmy Koester; niece, Cindy Koester; and great-niece, Lacey Powell. Pallbearers will be Todd Storts, Billy Joe Cover, Joe Grote, Dickie Rule, Fred Gamm, and Dennis Scharnhorst. Honorary pallbearers will be Simon Orf, Johnny Koester, Jim Koester, Harold Koester, Dave Koester, and Marty Moss. Memorials may be made to St. Clement Cemetery.