Kurt D. Koester

Kurt D. Koester, aged 61, from Urbandale, IA, peacefully passed away on November 12, 2023. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Caldwell Parrish from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines, IA. Following the service, a lunch will be hosted in the parish hall. The inurnment will be a private family ceremony.

Kurt entered this world in Fort Dodge on a chilly February day in 1962, the firstborn of Darrell and Phyllis Koester, who welcomed him with boundless love. He began his educational journey at Fort Dodge Senior High School, graduating in 1980, and continued on to Iowa Central Community College, where he earned his Associates Degree in Business. Furthering his education, he pursued a Finance Degree from The University of Iowa.

After graduation, Kurt ventured to Indianapolis, where he worked as a Grain Merchandiser. In 1990, he founded AgriSource, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the agricultural industry.

Kurt met his wife, Denise Koester (McDaniel), in 1997 at Clive After Five, a chance encounter that blossomed into a beautiful 25-year marriage. Their shared journey was marked by a deep commitment to family, and Kurt and Denise eagerly anticipated the joys and challenges of parenthood. The arrival of two sets of twins plus one brought both joy and chaos.

Kurt was a valued member of the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation Board for many years, where he contributed creative fundraising ideas for research. His oldest daughter, Kylie, with whom he shared a special bond, has Phelan McDermid Syndrome.

He will be remembered by his love for Hawkeye football, his never-ending pursuit of the perfect Old Fashioned, and his habit of gauging the yield of every cornfield that he crossed paths with. He found joy in playing golf, a favorite pastime shared with Denise and their children, and took pride in perfecting his yard.

A tenacious fighter, Kurt faced health challenges throughout his life with remarkable resilience. His journey was made lighter by the unwavering support of dedicated friends and family who stood by his side, offering comfort and strength during difficult times.

Kurt was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Koester, and his grandparents, Alfred and Ruth Koester, Richard and Ruth Coppinger. He is survived by his beloved wife Denise and their children, Cole, Brandon, Kylie, Kaitlyn, and Brianna. In addition to his immediate family, Kurt leaves behind his mother, Phyllis Koester and three brothers, Brett, Kraig (Michele), and Steve (Katie), each holding a special place in his heart.

Memorials may be directed to the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation.