Maxine J. Koester's Obituary
Maxine Koester, 93, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 in Fort Wayne. Born in Wolcott, she was the daughter of the late Ed and Anna (Abersoll) Gudeman. Maxine grew up on the farm and attended a small country grade school. After high school, Maxine chose the Lutheran Hospital nursing program in Fort Wayne, IN. She signed up for the cadet program that was started during WW II because of the nursing shortage. Her last six months of nurse training were spent working at Fort Harrison, and she went on to work at VA hospitals in Columbus, IN; Long Beach, CA; and Chicago. She would hear Bob Hope entertaining the wounded soldiers. Eventually Maxine returned to Fort Wayne and was introduced to Carl Koester, who preceded her in death in 2017, by mutual friends. They were married in 1956 and later celebrated their 60th anniversary. They enjoyed attending St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, traveling, bowling, fishing, golfing, and square and round dancing at Wallen Pines. Maxine was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandma. She is survived by her daughter, Sue Ann (Ron) Kammeyer; grandchildren: Ryan (Rhiannon), Megan, and Hannah Kammeyer; two great grandsons; brother, Alan (Valerie) Gudeman; sisters-in-law Barbara Gudeman, Kathryn (George) Bremer; ten nephews, and nine nieces. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Cara; siblings: Joan (Norman) Stoller, Milton Gudeman, Mary Ellen Gudeman, and Imogene (Arthur) Glass; brother and sisters-in-law: Ed (Rosella) Koester and Mary Lou Spohr; and niece, Tina. Funeral service is 10 am Monday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 7710 E. State Blvd, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Steve Ahlersmeyer officiating. Visitation will also be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. Burial in the church cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com.
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