Josephine Koester

Josephine D. Koester

“Josie”

Age 82 of Wilmington and formerly of Chicago, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at her home.

Born January 3, 1936 in Chicago, Josephine was a daughter of John and Daisy (Snitkowski) Romanski.

Josie was a former member of St. Camillus Parish in Chicago, and resided in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood until moving to Wilmington in 1995. She retired from the Secretary of State, Joliet Drivers Facility following 15 years of service. Josie was current member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, and will be remembered for her love of television. Family was of utmost importance to Josie, and she cherished spending time with her grandsons.

Survivors include her two children: Donna (Carmen) Gaudio of Bourbonnais and Donald (Cyndi) Koester of Wilmington; four grandsons: Brandon Reynolds (fiancé, Aleta) of Bourbonnais and Bradley Koester, Collin Koester and Nathan Koester, all of Wilmington; one great grandson Bayne Reynolds, and two brothers: Frank (Shirley) Romanski of Coal City and Tom (Mary) Romanski of Joliet, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Josie was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, John, Jr. (Arlene) Romanski.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and a private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Josie’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)