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Melford "Mel" Koesterof Murdo, South Dakota, died on Monday, August 19, 2013
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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
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.