Michael C. Koester
October 21, 1946 ~ August 22, 2021
Michael C. Koester, 74 of Columbus, Indiana, passed away August 22, 2021 at Our Hospice of Southern Indiana.
Michael was born in Batesville, Indiana on October 21, 1946, the son of Charles Koester and Carolyn (Emsweller) Koester. He married Marilyn (Legenhause) Koester on June 6, 1970.
The couple have two children, Jason (Shannon) Koester of Columbus and Melissa (John) Koester-Weiler of Boulder, Colorado.
In addition to being a loving husband and father, Mr. Koester attended college and served his country. He was a decorated United States Marine veteran, receiving several medals: one for National Defense Service, another for Vietnam Campaign and another for Vietnam Service. He was also recognized with a Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze and a badge as a Rifle Sharpshooter. Among his many honors, he was decorated with a Purple Heart for his service.
His lifetime achievements also included 48 years at Cummins Engine Company in Columbus where he excelled as a Draftsman and later on Team Leader. When he wasn’t working Mike enjoyed Colts games, but more importantly enjoyed watching his grandsons Reid and Ridge play sports.
Michael enjoyed singing. A former member at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, he sang in the Adult Choir, Praise Group and Men’s Choir. He currently was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty.
Surviving Mr. Koester is his wife, his children, and brothers, Robert (Rae) Koester and David (Beth) Koester, all of Batesville, Indiana.
He is also survived by two grandchildren, Reid and Ridge Koester, along with nephews Gavin and Griffin Koester, Shawn (Lori) Erfmeier, great nephews Leyton and Spencer Erfmeier and Chris (Melissa) Erfmeier and great nephews CJ and Jon.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty, 6045 East State Street, Columbus with the Pastor Doug Bauman officiating. Calling hours will be noon Saturday at the church until service time. Burial will be in the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home of Columbus.
Memorial contributions can be made through the funeral home to Our Hospice of Southern Indiana, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-Clifty or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
You are invited to view Michael's video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the funeral home website.
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Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Strength & Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Guiding Light Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
My deepest sympathy to the Koester family.
I have memories of Mike way back to grade school. He dated my sister at the time and he was always so nice to me… took me out for ice cream and for rides in his car. ( and I was a brat). Then I recently reconnected with him and his brothers at colts games. We will toast him at half time every game!! What a military hero and great man!!! I know he is at peace and with God now. RIP Mike!!
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MARYLIN, JASON, MELISSA AND THE ENTIRE KOESTER FAMILY. I REMEMBER A FEW MEMORIES BUT ONE ESPECIALLY AND THAT WAS WHEN MIKE AND BILL CAME TO VISIT MY DAD WHEN HE WAS RECOVERING FROM SURGERY. THEY CAME IN TOGETHER AND MIKE WHIPPED OUT A BEER FROM HIS POCKET TO GIVE TO HIM. AS A GET WELL GIFT. THAT VISIT MEANT SO MUCH TO MY DAD.
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
My deepest sympathy to the Koester family.
I first met Michael in 1965 at Tri-State College. We lived on the same floor in what then was Tri-State’s newest dormitory. Moving into off campus housing after the first year, I didn’t see Michael again until 1978 when I changed jobs and relocated to Columbus.
From that time onward, Michael and I both worked at CTC until retirement.
I have many fond memories of pleasant conversations with Michael. He will be missed.
Jack Baxter
So sorry to hear this. He was a great guy, father and grandfather. Prayers are being lifted up for the family.
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Mike was a loving husband,Dad and grandpa he will be missed by all whose lives he touched ! Sending love and prayers to his family.
I worked with Mike at Cummins and he was a great mentor. He always found a way to support drafters and was a wealth of knowledge not only regarding work but with life lessons and testimony. I pray for GOD to comfort the family during this time.
I worked with Mike in Drafting at Cummins and always appreciated his kindness. He was a very genuine person, and it was obvious that he cared about those he interacted with. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family.
Large Basket Garden was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
So sorry for the loss of such a kind man. I enjoyed singing with him at St. Peter’s. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Many prayers for the Koester family.
Michael such a upbeat guy and good friend. Classmate to Larry and friend, I loved
to hear him sing. Am so sorry for the families loss. God Bless.
Larry and Marge Hooten
I will always remember his wonderful voice. Truly enjoyed his singing at St. Peter’s – always tried to sit nearby
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Mike was a neighbor in Batesville and many good memories on North Park Avenue. I was the family’s babysitter and spent many a weekend with the three boys when Charlie and Carolyn went to dairy conventions! God bless him and his family. Carmie Gindling Meyer
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
Mike and Diane Clancy purchased the Small Garden Dish for the family of Michael C. Koester.
From the day I graduated with my doctorate Mike addressed me as Dr. Clancy. It always meant so much to me. I don’t believe he did that just to use my formal title; I believe he called me Dr. Clancy because he knew how very important that achievement was to me. He will always have a special place in my heart for that thoughtful gesture.
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Michael C. Koester.
I don’t ever remember seeing Mike when he wasn’t smiling. He was always happy to see us and never failed to make us smile with his positive compliments. The world sure could use more like him. Rick and I are so sorry for your loss. What a great guy he was. While here on earth he was a wonderful role model of how to treat others. We can all learn from him.
Mary Rose and Rick Chase
Remembering Mike from our days at church in Columbus. Our sincere condolences to Marilyn and the family. Jean and Robin Dick.
I’m sorry for your loss. I know Mike from Cummins and he always had such a wonderful spirit, his smile could brighten any day up.
Donnie Skinner and family purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of Michael C. Koester.
I have many fond memories of my lifelong friend, We grew up together and were classmates with many great memories. We often had a hearty laugh as we grew older about the fact that I was the “Koester boys” baby sitter for many years. Our parents were very close and I spent lots of time at the Koester house when my Mom would visit with Michael’s Mom and when Michael would laugh at me as Carolyn, his mom, was giving me a perm that smelled awful. Michael was always a kind person who was easy to talk to and was a great singer which was an activity we both participated in during high school and later in life as members of .Batesville Ecumenical Choir. I know Michael is now singing again in a much bigger choir and is at peace, God Bless you my friend!
I have such good memories of growing up on park avenue with Mike. Boy scouts, sleeping on the golf course. going to the Gibson theatre to watch Dracula and Frankenstein movies. We use to play in the round barn {always had owls} until it burnt down, delivering milk in the milk truck, bailing hay. Drinking as much chocolate milk and eating as much ice cream out at the dairy as we could put away. When his brother Dave was born he was born on my birthday and they named him after me (January 19th) Poor guy. I could go on and on. Mike was a great guy. My condolences to his family. Dave Ricke