Ethel C. Koester

Ethel C. Koester, age 89, of Big Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away on February 3, 2023. Ethel was valedictorian of the 1951 class of Tolleston High School in Gary, Indiana. She was retired from serving the State of Indiana as an administrative assistant in the Gary school system and in the Glen Park unemployment office. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Koester; her parents, John and Mildred (Kish) Chizer; and an infant son, Donald Koester Jr. She is survived by her son, David (Mary) Koester of Evanston, IL; daughter, Katherine (Richard) Connor of Big Rapids, MI; adored grandchildren: Matthew (Romana) Connor, John Connor, Gail (Matthew) Burdo, Amy Koester and William Koester; great grandchildren: Mali, Emma and Ivan Burdo and Lila and Griffin Connor; brother, Lewis Chizer of Cincinnati; and sisters-in-law Mitzie Koester of Spring, TX, Karen Lanning of Cheektowaga, NY, and Judith (Edward) Michaels of Brentwood, CA. Ethel was an energetic organizer who readily volunteered in her communities. She was organist while a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gary, an active member of Delta Theta Tau philanthropic sorority, served at Junedale Little League including coaching a team in the first years of the girls softball league, and served in missions and outreach at Church of the Four Seasons. She and her husband coordinated the Lakes of Four Seasons ‘Hits and Giggles’ golf league for over 20 years. Ethel loved, supported, and enabled her family. She particularly enjoyed and took pride in the growth and development of her grandchildren. She reliably stepped up to organize and cook for gatherings of family and friends. Any memorials are suggested to be directed to the youth camp fund of Church of the Four Seasons, which enables kids to attend an exciting week of summer camp. Friends are invited to meet with Ethel's family on Monday, April 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. at Church of the Four Seasons, 9100 E. 109th Ave., Crown Point, IN. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Ethel C. Koester

September 27, 1933 - February 3, 2023