Robert Kester

Robert Kester, 95, of New Albin died Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the New Albin Community Center, New Albin. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Albin with military honors. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 16 from 5-8 p.m. at the New Albin Community Center, New Albin, and one hour before services Thursday, April 17.
Robert was born September 16, 1918 in New Albin to Charles and Ollie (May) Kester. He graduated from New Albin High School and the St. Louis College of Mortuary Science. Robert practiced Mortuary Science in various funeral homes throughout Iowa. He was united in marriage to Maxine Welsh in 1944. Two daughters were born to this union. Robert served his country honorably during WWII.
Robert and Maxine returned to New Albin, where they ran a grocery store and tavern. He was also a Star Route carrier for the United States Postal Service. In his youth, his family owned land in the “islands” along the backwaters of the Mississippi River where he spent a great deal of time. He passed his love of the area onto his family and they spent much time on the houseboat, sandbars and boating.
Survivors include his daughter, L’Louise (Trip) Hedrick of Ames. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maxine Kester, in 1984; and his daughter, Janice Kester, in 1974.
Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing is in charge of arrangements.