Home > United States of America > Iowa > Adams County > Nodaway > Methodist Grove Cemetery > Dean Harding Kester

Dean Harding Kester

Birth	:	28 Dec 1921 Bridgewater, Adair County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	26 Feb 2017 Corning, Adams County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Methodist Grove Cemetery, Nodaway, Adams County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.9136009, -94.8332977
Description	:	Dean Harding Kester, age 95, died peacefully at Vintage Park on February 26, 2017. The son of Agnes (Kilgore) and Ernest Kester was born December 28, 1921 on the family farm by Bridgewater. He grew up attending country school, until 8th grade, along with his siblings. Dean entered CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) at the age of 16, as a caterpillar operator building terraces for soil erosion. He then enlisted in the US Navy where he spent 6 years. He served everyday of WWII. He was a 1st class gunner's mate in charge of all artillery, ammunition, and depth charges.... Read More	Dean Harding Kester, age 95, died peacefully at Vintage Park on February 26, 2017. The son of Agnes (Kilgore) and Ernest Kester was born December 28, 1921 on the family farm by Bridgewater. He grew up attending country school, until 8th grade, along with his siblings. Dean entered CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) at the age of 16, as a caterpillar operator building terraces for soil erosion. He then enlisted in the US Navy where he spent 6 years. He served everyday of WWII. He was a 1st class gunner's mate in charge of all artillery, ammunition, and depth charges. Dean served on the Battleship USS Idaho, the Cruiser USS Fargo, and Sub Chaser 1048 while traveling along the Southwest Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. Dean was honored to be chosen as an Honorary Guard for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's funeral. As a veteran he traveled to Washington DC on the Honor Flight, and was recently recognized by Senator Joni Ernst and presented his WWII medals during a special ceremony. On February 1, 1945, Dean married his soulmate Leona Stalder. They started their life together as a military couple and then came home to farm in Adams County. Born to bless their lives were two sons, Ed and Larry. Dean and Leona raised crops, hay, chickens, cattle, and pigs. He sold 0's Gold seed corn and square bales as a side income. Dean's life revolved around his farmlife, family, and church. He served on the ACSC and Coop board, as well as many years on the Stringtown Church board. Dean and Leona enjoyed the harvest from their garden, camping, fishing, traveling to listen to country music, playing cards, and countless hours of rummikub. They were lifetime members of the Stringtown Community Church. On September 2014 they were recognized and honored for their dedication, service, and leadership to God and the church family. Dean's family was his pride and joy. He loved to take his sons and grandsons hunting and fishing. Being a grandpa was top priority. He spent countless hours telling stories and teaching life lessons. He kept busy with his hands building birdhouses, and doing carpenter work around the farm. The legacy Dean leaves is the commitment, devotion, care, and love that he shared with Leona for 72 years, as well as to his country, his family, and his faith. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons: Ed (Jan) and Larry (Denise) Kester; six grandchildren: Bret, Brennan, and Curtis (Erin) Kester, Kami (Sam) DeAlejandro, Rod Kester, and Darcy (Brad) Matheny; seven great-grandchildren: Ryan and Zach Kester, Seth, Ethan, and Daxton DeAlejandro, Evelyn and Nora Kester; one great-great grandchild JoLee DeAlejandro; brother and sister-in-law: Bill (Dixie) Stalder, and Nita Kester, several nieces and nephews, other special friends, and the caring staff and residents at Vintage Park and HCI Hospice. Welcoming him into heaven is the love of his life Leona; his parents Ernest and Agnes Kester; two sisters Violet and Fern, and three brothers; Glen, Ronald, and Ralph.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Dean Harding Kester's memorial?
Dean Harding Kester's memorial is located at: Methodist Grove Cemetery, Nodaway, Adams County, USA.
When did Dean Harding Kester death?
Dean Harding Kester death on 26 Feb 2017 in Corning, Adams County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Dean Harding Kester's memorial?
Latitude: 40.9136009
Longitude: -94.8332977

Family Members:

Parent

Ernest J Kester

(1883 - 1969)

Agnes L Kilgore Kester

(1888 - 1980)

Spouse

Leona Georgia Stalder Kester

(1919 - 2016)

Siblings

Glen Kester

(1913 - 1914)

Ronald Joseph Kester

(1918 - 1994)

Violet Marie Kester

(1925 - 1926)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Prairie Rose Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9155998, -94.7752991

2. Nodaway Cemetery
Nodaway, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9627991, -94.8858032

3. Baldwin Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9768982, -94.8244019

4. Guss Cemetery
Guss, Taylor County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8502657, -94.8510869

5. Brooks Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9728012, -94.7953033

6. Old Brooks Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9833196, -94.7669190

7. Bakers Cut Cemetery
Villisca, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9083200, -94.9585900

8. Oak Hill Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9763985, -94.7367020

9. Calvary Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9763000, -94.7350000

10. Findley Cemetery
Villisca, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9578018, -94.9571991

11. Holt Cemetery
New Market, Taylor County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8203000, -94.7669900

12. North Grove Cemetery
Hepburn, Page County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8422012, -94.9396973

13. Villisca Cemetery
Villisca, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9389000, -94.9747009

14. Walnut Grove Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9989000, -94.7407000

15. Carlisle Cemetery
Villisca, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9225006, -94.9835968

16. Fairview Cemetery
Valley Township, Page County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8570862, -94.9671860

17. Oakland Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0331001, -94.7944031

18. Old Queen City Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0078700, -94.7093200

19. North Quincy Cemetery
Quincy, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0468500, -94.7862500

20. Icarian Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9901000, -94.6726000

21. Dallas Center Cemetery
New Market, Taylor County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7700005, -94.8696976

22. Thompson Cemetery
Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0527000, -94.9161000

23. Grove Cemetery
Taylor County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8555984, -94.6438980

24. Hawleyville Cemetery
Hawleyville, Page County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7835999, -94.9458008