Steve and Bunny Koester Endowment
Steve and Bunny Koester Endowment
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The Stephen (Steve) and Bernadette (Bunny) Koester Endowment was established on March 11, 2012. Bunny and her children, Sarah and Jacob, established the endowment after losing their loving husband and father to cancer. This endowment is as much of an honor to Bunny as it is a memorial to Steve. Bunny was the business manager for catholic schools in Mitchell for over twenty years. They have both left a legacy of faith and love through the many lives they have touched since moving to Mitchell in 1981. Steve and Bunny's children attended Mitchell Catholic Schools and some of the John Paul II School children even call her "Grandma Bunny".
The interest earned from the Koester Endowment will be used to perpetually fund the greatest needs of John Paul II School in Mitchell, SD. I can not think of a better way to honor this beautiful couple; than through the countless lives of the children and families who will continue to benefit from the Christ-centered education at John Paul II School because of their gift. Thank you for sharing your legacy of faith!
When making an online donation, please select "other" and specify the fund name you wish to support. Thank you for your generosity!
Stephen Keith Koester was born February 11th 1946 in Willmar, MN. to Henry and Elsie (Strom) Koester. Stephen graduated from Kerkhoven High School, Kerkhoven, MN, in 1964 and spent four years studying at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.
He married Bernadette (Bunny) Surprenant on June 14th 1969 in Currie, MN. They began their life together in West St. Paul, MN as Steve began his career as a cattle buyer at Central Livestock (formerly Central Order Buyers). After six years in the Twin City area Steve’s work moved them to Sioux Falls, SD. In 1977 he left Central Livestock and became partners in Kistler and Koester Livestock that, in 1980, became Koester Cattle Company. In 1981, Steve and Bunny settled in Mitchell, SD.
He enjoyed the outdoors and experienced it by hunting, fishing, and traveling. Steve loved to spend time with his grandsons. Also, he would seldom miss an opportunity to discuss the cattle market. He was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was a strong supporter of 4H and the local beef industry.
He is survived by his wife, Bernadette; daughter Sarah Olinger and husband John of Woonsocket, SD; son Jacob and wife, Krista (Vigil) of Albuquerque, NM; sister Patricia Davis of Tucson, AZ; brother Gerald (Carmen) of Kerkhoven, MN; brother John of Cresco, IA; sisters-in-law Doris (Floyd) Peterson of Plymouth, MN, Louise Gervais of Currie, MN, Phyllis (Vern) Ahrndt of Plymouth, MN, Mary Steffen of Waconia, MN, Joan Surprenant of North Mankato, MN, Mary Jo Surprenant of Mankato, MN; brother-in-laws Ralph (Myrna) Surprenant of Tracy, MN, Jim (Barb) Surprenant of Slayton, MN, Leo Surprenant of Redwood Falls, MN, Fr. Paul Surprenant of Byron, MN, Mike Surprenant of Currie, MN; three grandchildren, Drew, Clay, and Kade Olinger and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law Fr. John Surprenant, Jim Steffen, Hugh Gervais, and Kenneth Surprenant and nephew Philip Steffen.
An endowment fund is a perpetual fund, created by charitable donations in the form of cash, stocks, mutual funds, real property, or other personal property given to the Foundation. The practice of investing the principal, rather than spending it, creates a perpetual fund. Most of an endowment’s annual earnings are distributed to the designated benefactors, in this case, John Paul II School. Endowments provide a “forever-giving” funding source for Catholic programs and activities. A gift in your will could establish an endowment and a lasting legacy for you, your family, and benefactor.
If you would like information on how you can leave a lasting legacy for yourself or a loved one, call the MCF office to set up an appointment at 605-999-9127.
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