Harold Koester

Harold Koester, 86, of Rapid City, S.D., died on May 29, 2016, at his home.

Harold joined the U.S. Navy in 1949, he was a seaman, and served on the U.S.S Callao before transferring to Pearl Harbor. He was then transferred to the U.S.S. Renshaw during the Korean War.

  He married Donna Howder from Vivian in 1953.

Harold worked in construction, he helped build a house up on Genesee Mountain in Colorado and it looked like a flying saucer. This house was also in a movie with Woodie Allen Called “The Sleeper.”

  Harold donated tissue/organs to the Lions Eye Bank for research for Dementia and Parkinson research.

  He is survived by three daughters, Cheryl McCoy Walsh (Calvin) of Hermosa, Joan Grooms of Greeley, Colo., Patti, (Scott) White of Belton, S.D.; and one son, Brian Koester (Jodi) of Olathe, Kan.; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; a grandson, Cory White; a son-in-law, Rick Grooms; his parents and stepmother; a brother and his wife, Melford and Becky Koester; and a sister, Delores Miller.

  Harold will be sadly missed by family and friends

Services were held Saturday, June 4, at First Christian Church in Rapid City. Private burial was Monday, June 6, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Western Resources, Adult Day Care % Harold Koester, PO Box 4001, Rapid City, SD 57709.

  Family and friends may sign Harold’s online guest book at the Kirk Funeral Home website.