Steven Lee Koester, age 78, of Kiester, MN, died at his home Saturday, October 18, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 11:00 am at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN, with Pastor John Malm officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Kiester American Legion post, along with the Wells Area Color Guard. Visitation will be held at Nasinec Funeral Home one hour prior to the service (10-11:00 am). Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN. Full obituary to come.

Born August 30, 1947, Steven was raised in Myrtle and graduated from Glenville High School in 1965 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1966 to 1968.

Upon returning home, Steve found joy and purpose in farming and in serving his community. For more than 30 years, he worked as the much-loved custodian at the Kiester school, where his friendly smile, steady presence, and willingness to help made him a beloved part of the school family. Generations of students, teachers, and staff remember him for his kindness, humor, and the pride he took in keeping the school shining.

Steve’s commitment to service extended far beyond the school walls. He volunteered for 30 years with the Kiester Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member of the Kiester American Legion Post #454, where he spent the past 13 years as Post Commander.

Steve and his wife, Sharon, shared 55 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion. He will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who led with kindness, humor, and humility—someone who showed love not through grand gestures, but through steady presence and countless small acts of care.

He was happiest when helping on the farm, working outside, or spending a quiet day fishing. Fishing was often shared with his granddaughter, Gemma, who at just five years old was known to out-fish him, a fact she retold with great pride.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Sharon; daughter Jenny (Brian) and granddaughter Gemma; brother Kevin (Nancy) Koester; sisters Vickey (Gayle) Kuethe, Janelle (Mark) Behr, and LeAnne (Marvin) Fendrich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Leroy Koester.

 

To watch the service, follow this link: https://youtu.be/lm06tjm0ZZU