Obituary: Melford "Mel" Koester

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In memory of

Melford "Mel" Koester

of Murdo, South Dakota, died on Monday, August 19, 2013 at the Kadoka Nursing Home in Kadoka at the age of 87

Melford Ray Koester was born July 16, 1926, in Pierre, South Dakota, the son of Fred and Laura (Severson) Koester. He attended school at Vivian, graduating from Vivian High School in 1945. As a young boy he was active in sports, and especially loved playing baseball.
Mel married Becky Moross in 1949 at the Methodist Church in Murdo, and to this union were born three sons, Doug, Dan, and Fred. Melford and Becky continued to live and work on his father’s farm in Vivian. He also drove a school bus, and sold eggs and cream from the farm to make ends meet. In 1956, Melford took a job as manager with the elevator in Quinn. In 1958, Mel moved his family to Wall to work at the elevator there. They eventually moved to Murdo, and he continued to manage the elevator there until 1978. He worked at Moore Building Center in Murdo until 1987. He then worked for the US Postal Service and was a mail carrier until he semi-retired in 1995.
His wife Becky preceded him in death on December 14, 2007. Mel continued to make his home in Murdo until moving in to the Kadoka Nursing Home in July 2012, where he has since resided.
Mel and Becky hosted several foreign exchange students from Brazil and Sweden during the 1970’s. They traveled extensively in their lifetime, visiting Hawaii, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, the Pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, and many other places. Mel’s greatest joy has always been his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Fred Koester and his wife Missy of Philip; and Dan Koester of Palm Springs, California; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother Harold Koester of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Becky, Mel was preceded in death by a son Doug Koester, and a sister Delores Miller.
Visitation was held 6-7 p.m. CDT Friday, August 23, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. CDT Saturday, August 24, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.
Interment was at the Murdo Cemetery.
A memorial has been established. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 1, Philip, SD 57567.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.
Messiah Lutheran Church
Murdo, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Ray Greenseth
MUSIC
Karen Royer - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Jeff Penticoff - Jay Penticoff
PALLBEARERS
Austin Koester - Dick Koester
Matt Koester - Brock Koester
Dylan Koester - Dallas Koester
Brody Fincher - Rylan Lammers
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 6-7 p.m. CDT Friday, August 23, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo.
Prayer service: 7:00 p.m. CDT Friday, August 23, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo.
Funeral services: 11:00 a.m. CDT Saturday, August 24, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo.
Interment: Murdo Cemetery.

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Mel was always a treat to visit with - enjoyed getting to know him when he worked at the Kennebec elevator. Our sympathy to the family. ~ Marlene Reuman Presho (8/19/2013)
My deepest sympathies to the Melford's family. Mel's kindness and humor will always be remembered. ~ Brenda (Kerns) Polk Hunstville, AL (8/19/2013)
Melford was such an awesome man, he will be missed but we know that a whole new game of baseball will be played with the guys, Dad (Delford Juhnke) has his catcher now. Sincerely Debbie and Norval ~ Debbie and Norval Millard Presho, SD (8/19/2013)
we were so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. our thoughts and prayers are with you all. GOD BLESS YOU... ~ nancy neville philip (8/19/2013)
Fred and Missy,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, please know you are in our thoughts. ~ Glenn and Rita O'Connell Philip (8/19/2013)
Our caring thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Love, Mike & Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (8/19/2013)
So sorry to hear of the passing of a very kind man he truly will be missed! I remember all the times Melford and Becky took Steve different places with them and always cared about him as they did the rest of our family. I pray that time will quickly hill your sadness and great loss!
Love, Rowdy and Cindy ~ Cindy Kerns-Schuler Philip (8/19/2013)
Melford was a great guy and will be deeply missed. I am thankful for all he did for our family. Thoughts and prayers will all the family. With sympathy. ~ Janet Penticoff Pierre (8/19/2013)
Floyd and I send our sympathy to the family. When he was not too busy, we played bridge at the bar or in marathon with Mel. I grew up near Vivian, and my Dad never missed watching him play baseball. Those catcher's knees will be healed now. ~ Sylvia Fuoss Sioux Falls, SD (8/19/2013)
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, Fred and Danny. Your parents were awesome, fun people who I always enjoyed seeing when visiting Murdo. ~ Susan (O'Reilly) Raikas Thornton, CO (8/19/2013)
Our deepest sympathys to all of the family. He was a great man and always fun to be around. He will truly be missed by Harold and all of his family. He is now in a better place with Becky, Delores, Doug and Donna. All the friends and family who have gone before were all waiting at heavens gate to meet him. Our thoughts and prayers to you. Cheryl and family ~ HAROLD KOESTER FAMILY RAPID CITY SD (8/19/2013)
I have so many fond memories of your dad (and mom). Marv & I enjoyed playing cards with them, sharing some great meals with them, talking, and who could forget the sports!! Your dad loved them and could be seen at them often. He was a great guy!! Keep your memories and think of them often. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Teresa ~ Teresa Palmer Murdo (8/19/2013)
Sharing a lifetime of friendship, baseball, basketball,politics,stockmarket, etc,andour collection of past and present friends. We will miss him, and will be cheering for him for the rest of our days. God bless his soul. ~ Lonis Lois Wendt Vivian, SD (8/19/2013)