Raymond J. Koesters, age 97 of Cassella, passed away Friday, November 8, 2019 at Briarwood Village, Coldwater.

He was born on May 22, 1922 in Dayton, to the late August & Clara (Schroeder) Koesters. On February 5, 1949 he married Thelma (Dahlinghaus) Koesters, and she passed away October 7, 2004.

He is survived by children: Rita & Tom Gaerke of Union City, OH, Tom & Karen Koesters of Indianapolis, IN, June & Mark Hoying of McCartyville, John Koesters & Janine Jones of Dillsboro, IN, and Carl & Sharon Koesters of Cassella. Ray is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren one on the way, and 9 step great grandchildren.

Ray was the last living member of his family, and was preceded in death by two infant children, a granddaughter, Jodi Koesters, siblings and in-laws, Clarence & Octavia Koesters, Josephine & Art Schroer, Julian & Frances Koesters, Helena & John Sadler, Regina & Richard Klus, Albert & Vivian Koesters, Herbert Koesters, Earl & Lanora Dahlinghaus, Norma Jean & Paul Wilbur, and Vern & Marlene Dahlinghaus.

He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Cassella, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and on the bereavement committee, and the former C.K. of A., now the Catholic Financial Life of Cassella. He was a lifelong farmer and bus driver for 22 years for Marion Local Schools.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during WWII. Ray was a member of the Maria Stein Legion, where he was a Past Commander. He was an avid Reds fan, loved playing cards, and cheering on his Marion Local Flyers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2019 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Cassella. Burial with military honors will follow in Nativity Cemetery.

Friends may call from 1 until 6 pm Sunday November 10, 2019 and 9:00 until 10:00 am Monday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.

Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.