Francis Koesters

 Francis E. Koesters was born to Anthony and Johanna (Zimmerman) Koesters on June 17, 1928, on a farm north of Earling, Iowa. He was the oldest of a family of six who all made their home on the family farm two miles north of Earling. This land was farmed by two generations prior to Francis who took over in 1959.

 Francis on February 19, 1951, was drafted into the United States Army reporting to Fort Omaha, Nebraska. He was shipped out to UN Operations in Korea. He was stationed at or north of the 38th Parallel. This was a combat zone. He was awarded a Korean Service Medal with one Campaign Bronze Star. He was also awarded a UN Service medal with Combat Infantry Badge. Francis was honorably discharged at Camp Carson, Colorado on February 12, 1953.

 Returning to the home farm, Francis found work in the winter months at Omaha packing plants returning in the spring to help farm. He met his wife of 67 years Mary Ann Gubbels at a dance in Westphalia, Iowa. They were married on October 2, 1956. Mary Ann proved to be an excellent farm partner, working night and day both inside and outside to build the farm in all ways possible.

 Also, in 1953 Francis purchased a truck mounted sheller and began doing custom work for area farmers. He ran a dependable farm service for 58 years closing it in March of 2011. His marriage to Mary Ann produced eight children James, Cindy, Mary, Ann, Diane, Allan, Francis and one infant son. Only four of their children survived into adulthood.

 During his farming career, Francis built or rebuilt all the buildings on his farm. His efforts have yielded a showcase of a Farm Place that is pleasant to drive by. In later years Francis and Mary Ann traveled extensively enjoying the warmer climates in winter.

 Management of the farm has been slowly transferred to the capable hands of sons James and Allan. Their efforts will continue this pioneer farm in the future.

 On June 24, 2024, Mary Ann Koesters died at Myrtue Medical Center. Francis heartbroken went back to the soil for therapy. At the age of 96 he harvested most of the family’s soybean crop and some corn crop. Running the combine himself. He put in some long hours.

 After the fall harvest he was hospitalized with respiratory problems which resulted in his death on December 17, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann. His children Mary Koesters, Ann Koesters, Diane Koesters, Francis Koesters, Jr., and an infant son. His siblings Alvin and Robert Koesters and his parents.

 He is survived by his children James Koesters, Cindy (Jim) Scheuring, and Allan Koesters, 3 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, siblings Madonna Kramer, Alice Schwery, and Janice (Pete) Mahlberg; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.