Obituaries : Winifred C. Koester

Winifred C. Koester was welcomed into the presence of the Lord on March 15, 2019. Jesus, the anchor of her faith, said: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25).

She died peacefully at the home of her daughter and caregiver Cindy in Keystone, IA, where she has lived for the past 5 ½ years. A Celebration of her entrance into heaven was held at 11 AM. Friday, March 22 at Christ Lutheran Church, 5245 Hadley Rd., Goodrich, MI, with Pastor Kelly Todd officiating.  Allen Funeral Home, of Davison, MI along with Phillips of Vinton, assisted the family with arrangements. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Christ Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Hour.

Winifred was born in Woodville, OH, on July 7, 1925, the daughter of Luther and Laura (Myers) Althoff. She was welcomed into the Lord’s family by baptism on 7/17/1925. She confirmed that faith on 4/2/1939, at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI. She graduated from Central High in Flint, MI, married Martin Koester on Valentine’s Day of 1947, and he converted “the city girl” to a farmer. They lived most of their married lives together in the Davison, MI, area. After Mart’s passing, she married Bill Dockery on 5/11/2006. Winnie was active at Christ Lutheran as organist and Sunday School teacher for many years. She also was a leader in the Bible Study Fellowship program and served as a Big Sister for several girls. She played on softball teams until she was 84. She also enjoyed gardening, pinochle, visiting shut-ins, fishing and sewing. She invested her life in others and her influence cannot be buried. “Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:28-30). She gave all glory to God for her faith and the things she was privileged to do throughout her life.

Mrs. Koester is survived by: children Connie (John) Gengler of Auburn, MI, Charlotte (Jeff) Ginn of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kermit (Sherry) Koester of Davison, MI, Cindy (Richard) Oehlerich of Keystone, IA, and Cassie (Bill) Bauson of Kokomo, IN; son-in-law Glenn Vonk of Ijamsville, MD; 21 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; brother Gerald (June) of Fenton, MI. She was preceded in death by daughter Charlene Vonk and son William (in infancy); her parents; both husbands; brothers Albert Althoff and Eugene Althoff; and sisters Rhoda Chapo and Lois Holland.

A memorial service will also be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Keystone, where Winnie has faithfully attended during her stay in IA.  Sunday, March 31, 11:30 AM.  Pastor B. Andrew Wright will lead in a service of resurrection.  A time of sharing food and fellowship will follow.

Winnie's family wishes to express gratitude for the compassionate tender care she received the last months from Hospice of Mercy, and also for the family of St. John Keystone for their ministry to our Mother.