Josie Koester, 86 of Freeport, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026 peacefully surrounded by her children. Josie was born on December 1, 1939 in Orangeville, Illinois to Alois Moest Sr. and Rosa (Berlinger) Moest. She married Milton Koester on February 20, 1960, in Freeport. She was a 1957 graduate of Orangeville High School. Josie obtained her beautician license and was a hairdresser. She worked for several years at Freeport High School cafeteria as a cashier. What gave her the most joy in life was raising her five children. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, spending time with her card club friends, bird watching, cooking and baking. No one ever left her house without eating a cookie or two.

She is survived by her children and their families: Kathi LeGault and her children, Hanna and Gabriel; Kurt (Chris) Koester and their children, Landon, Griffin (Cam) and Keegan; Scott (Heidi) Koester and their son Triston (Ceara); Krista (Tom) Deutsch and their children, Hayden (Audrey) and Emma (Brett); Kara (Doug) Erdahl and their children, Karli, Mya, Reese and Liam; great grandchildren, Forrest, Grant, Nora, Max and Rosie. She is also survived by her siblings; Mary Auer, Ann Moest, Helen Moest, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Milt, her parents, and her brothers Anton Moest, Alois Moest Jr. and her sister Rose Noeske.

Josie will be remembered by her family and friends for her selflessness, her generous caring heart, and someone who was always there with a helping hand. She cherished her family and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday September 15, 2026, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.