Glenn E. Koester

Glenn E. Koester, 67, died Feb. 23 at home in Wasilla. There will be a celebration of his life from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at The American Legion Post 35, Mile 46 Parks Highway in Wasilla.

Koester was born June 13, 1940 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a Vietnam veteran. Having served in the U.S. Army, he came to Wasilla in 1994.

He worked for Brown’s Trucking in Hawaii, then was employed by the U.S. government at Pearl Harbor Public Works Center until his retirement in June of 1995, after 30 years. He was also a master electrician.

Koester served as president and member of the Lualualei Lions Club in Waianae, Hawaii, on Oahu and enjoyed fishing, life, and his wife and family.

“Glenn was a well respected man with family and friends in Alaska and Hawaii,” his family wrote. “He met each new day as a gift from God. He always based his life on faith, honesty, and a big smile. Glenn was always ready to lend a helping hand or to brighten someone’s day with a smile or funny story. He was a man’s man, a wonderful husband and father. Those who knew him will miss him dearly. Rest well, Beloved.”

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Koester, of Wasilla; son Glenn E. Koester of Hawaii; daughters Lisa Schildmeyers of Oregon, Yvette Parker of Hawaii, Wilhelmina Koester of Washington, Staceyann Koester of Hawaii, Dionne Moffett and Primrose Koester of Washington; cousin Iris Andrews of Alaska; 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents Mina and Edward Koester, and brother Robert Koester.

He will be buried at Valley of the Temples in Kanehoe, Oahu, Hawaii.

Local arrangements were by Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer.