OFC Donald Koester

OFC Donald Wayne Koester

Age 55 of Wilmington and formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, March 27, 2019 at his home.

Born August 12, 1963 in Chicago, Don graduated from St. Lawrence High School with the Class of 1982. He was currently employed with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, where he has served as a deputy for the past 29 years. On June 1, 1990, Don married Cyndi Pribil in Chicago, and together they made their home and raised their three boys. Don was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, enjoyed Rib/Chili Cook-offs, and was skilled in restoring old bicycles and building models. His greatest hobby however was his family, and he was ever so proud of his three sons.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Cyndi; sons: Bradley Koester of Nashville, Tennessee and Collin Koester and Nathan Koester, both of Wilmington; one sister, Donna (Carmen) Gaudio of Bourbonnais; his half brother, Vince (Debbie) Isley of Texas; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Charleen (Fred) Griffin, and many nieces and nephews including, Brandon Reynolds (Fiance’- Aleta)

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Koester.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday, March 31, 2019 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Monday morning, April 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 S. Kankakee Street in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol officiating.

Green flameless cremation rites will be accorded at the conclusion of the services.

Pallbearers will be: Bradley Koester, Collin Koester, Nathan Koester, Brandon Reynolds, Carmen Gaudio, Chris Lekas and Frank Romanski.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Don’s memory to the Les Turner ALS Foundation 5550 W. Touhy Ave., Suite 302, Skokie, IL 60077-3254

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Don’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/OFCDonald-Koester

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