Frederick H. Koester, age 87 of Dixon, passed away Wednesday March 20, 2024 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, following a brief stay at the University of Iowa Hospitals burn unit due to an accident at his shop. A Celebration of Life get together will be held at the Dixon American Legion on Saturday, April 20th, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Fred was born in Davenport, Iowa to Henry and Evelyn (Boyd) Koester on September 8, 1936. He was honorably discharged from the Army after serving in Germany during the Korean era. Fred started his salvage yard, Koester's Wrecking, in rural Dixon in the early 1960's. He married Shirley Carlson in Bethany, Missouri. After living in Davenport for a short time they moved to Dixon, where they raised their three children; Sheri (Kevin) Kelley of Aurora, CO, Fritz Koester, and Kenny (Janet Schwanke) Koester of Dixon. Other survivors include his grandchildren Kristen (John) Donahue, Karen (Jon) Barrett, Kevin Kelley Jr., Heather (Randy) Sutherland, Kyle (Leah) Koester, and Nikole, Shelbey, and Tanner Koester; 6 great grandsons; 3 great granddaughters; and 4 step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Kathryn Kelley; and his faithful friend and companion, Brutis.

Fred enjoyed coaching his boys in ball from Pee-Wee to Prep, and also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially his family, traveling, camping, the river, cooking, reading, music, and a good political debate. His memberships included Hope Lutheran Church in Dixon, Dixon American Legion Post 353, CASI, and the Plus 60 Club.

He will be missed by those that had the pleasure to know him.