Funeral services for Leroy Koester, 86, of Albert Lea will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. Deb Miller will officiate. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery with Military Honor’s accorded by the Freeborn County Veteran’s Organization and the Kiester Legion. Vistation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. To sign the guestbook go to: www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Leroy died on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Thorne Crest Retirement Center with his family at his side.

Leroy Koester was born on Feb. 10, 1924, in Crawford County, Iowa the son of Louie and Leona (Ranniger) Koester. He attended school in Iowa and at District 75. On March 3, 1945, Leroy was united in marriage to Mildred Sistek at the Methodist parsonage in Albert Lea. Leroy served his country during World War II in the US Army. He was a farmer and worked for the Mansfield Store as a truck driver and all around handyman. Leroy was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Kiester Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred; children: Steven and Sharon Koester, of Kiester, Kevin and Nancy Koester, of Faulkton, S.D., Vicki and Gayle Kuethe, of Alden, LeAnn and Marvin Fendrich, of Emmons, and Janelle and Mark Behr, of Conger; grandchildren: Ryan and Katie Maier, Dustin and Kim Lorenzten, Brian Schmidt and Krystal Behr, Kara Behr and special friend Jason, Brian and Jenny Goldner, Caleb and Stacy Martinmaas, Jessie and Hunter Speck, Jill Koester and special friend Joe, Jason Koester, Eric and Jon Trytten, Mitch Kuethe and Doug and Laura Kuethe; great-grandchildren: Chloe, Mossy and Autumn Lorenzten, Dayna and Ethan Martinmaas, Trey and Allie Hutchinson, Shaylee Speck, Katleyn Smith, Trevor and Alex Kuethe, Samantha, Brianna, Alyssa and Taylor Kuethe; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Sistek, Phyllis Sistek and Doris Draayer; brother-in-law, Art Loomis; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws: Fred and Anna Sistek; one son in infancy; brother, Lloyd and wife Eileen Koester; sister, Leone Loomis; and brothers-in-law: Freddie and Richard Sistek.