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Obituary index
 Darwin
L. Koester
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[February 11, 2026]
STANFORD —
Darwin L. Koester, 73, of Stanford, Illinois was born in Lincoln,
Illinois on August 10,1952 and died February 8, 2026.
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Service:
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Darwin L. Koester, 73, of Stanford,
Illinois was born in Lincoln, Illinois on August
10,1952 and died February 8, 2026. Darwin’s
childhood was spent farming with his parents and
siblings near new Holland before joining the Army
and serving in Vietnam. He had a great love for
rhythm & blues music, and ran the soundboard for
local group Hip Pocket for many years, even
performing at a presidential inauguration ball. He
also enjoyed golf, especially playing in the
Smackerini tournament. Darwin was also known for his
home gardening, supplying friends with vegetables
all summer, although he wouldn’t give up the
radishes! Darwin worked for Donovan Demolition for
many years before switching careers to become a
truck driver for Carri Scharf Trucking.
Darwin was preceded in death by his parents, Annis
and Harold Koester, and his wife, Wilda F. Koester.
He is survived by his son, Mark Koester (Jamie),
daughter Angela Roark (Michael), and grandson
Zachary Roark. Also surviving are siblings Merlin
Koester (Diane), Paul Koester (Sharon), and Sharon
Davison (Ed); many nieces and nephews, and countless
friends. Darwin was known to be hard on the outside
but soft on the inside and will be greatly missed by
all who knew him. Cremation rites were accorded; a
celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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