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Obituary index
 Darwin
L. Koester
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[May 16, 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 May 24 from 1 - 4
p.m. at Beason Chestnut Park (2292 1275th Street,
Beason). Military service will be held at 2 p.m.
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
May 24 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Beason Chestnut Park (2292
1275th Street, Beason). Military service will be
held at 2 p.m.
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