MaryAnn Koester

MaryAnn Koester, age 95, of Waunakee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on August 1, 1930, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Frank and Katherine Hrovatin, MaryAnn lived a life focused on faith, family and adventure. 

She pursued a call to nursing, training at Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa, where she met her future husband, Arnold Koester, a student at Loras College. They were married on October 25, 1952, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque and began a journey together that took them to Mesa, Arizona, and Clinton, Iowa, before settling in Lancaster, Wisconsin. There, they raised nine children and built a life rooted in faith, love and community until Arnold’s passing in 1985.

MaryAnn dedicated 45 years to her career as a Registered Nurse, with most of her service at Lancaster Memorial Hospital. Her gentle care and unwavering commitment touched countless lives. 

After retiring to Waunakee, MaryAnn remained active and engaged. She volunteered at the WI Historical Society, participated in church activities, and enjoyed the vibrant community at her retirement village. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she found joy in numerous pilgrimages and travels across the United States and abroad. 

MaryAnn especially cherished her winters in Arizona, where she embraced the warmth and beauty of the desert with enthusiasm and gratitude. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold, her parents Frank and Katherine, her brother Jack, her stepfather Frank Hageman, and friend and companion Pat LaBerge. 

MaryAnn is survived by her nine children, Kathleen, Kevin, Karen (Leonard) Hickman, Kristin (Larry) Mumm, Karolyn, Mary (Jim) Hampton, Marcia (Terry) Frye, Angela (Will) Anderson, Lisa (Kevin) Bendorf; stepsister Florence Lanter Spesard; 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many dear friends and extended family members who will miss her deeply. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St Mary of the Lake in Westport. Visitation will be from 10:00 until the time of Mass. Burial in St. Clement Cemetery in Lancaster, WI will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 11:00. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Wisconsin Public Television. Cards can be sent c/o Kevin Koester, 691 Cedar St, Richland Center, WI 53581. 

Her legacy of strength, faith and caring will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.