Richard G. Kester

Funeral services for Richard G. Kester, 82, of Norfolk will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Norfolk: Reverend Paul Hirsch will officiate. Military rites will be by the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard, American Legion Post 16 and VFW Post 1644. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Home for Funerals on Norfolk Avenue.

Richard died Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at his home.

Richard (Dick) Kester was born October 8, 1936, in Neligh, Nebraska to Lucile (Atwood) Kester and Lloyd Kester.  Lloyd passed away at the age of 28 and Lucile later married Howard Earing.  Dick was baptized at the Neligh Church of Christ and joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church in 1964.  He graduated from Neligh High School in 1954 after which he joined the Army and spent 16 months of his service in Korea.

Dick married Shirley (Dittman) Kester November 17, 1957.  They made their home in Norfolk, Nebraska and were blessed with four children.

Dick was a general contractor and owned Kester Construction Company.   After he "hung" up his hammer, he worked in retail development for Affiliated Foods and retired after 19 years.   Because of his reputation and construction knowledge, he would do "just one more job" and never ever really retired.  

He was active in many local clubs and organizations:  Norfolk Archery Club where he held three state championships; Northeast Nebraska Shooting Association; Norfolk Lion's Club; Past President of the Norfolk Builders Association; American Legion; and VFW.  

Dick was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska where he served the Lord in many capacities.   He was also active in the formation of the Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School in Waco, Nebraska.

Dick was a jack-of-all trades and could master anything he put his mind to with perfection.  He was a pilot and owned three airplanes.   His passion was working with his hands doing woodworking, machining, and gunsmithing.  He enjoyed his daily coffee "clubs” and traveling.   Dick was quick-witted and had an answer for everything.  

He is survived by daughter Tammy Goetz of Vermillion, South Dakota; daughter Carla (Tom) Wallat of Federal Way, Washington; and son Joel of Blair, Nebraska; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; and his special friend Dee Jaeke.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather; his twin brothers Ronald and Donald Kester.   Shirley, his wife of 49 years, who passed away in 2006, and his son Tracy who passed away in 2011. 

Dick requested in lieu of flowers; donations be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  The donations will be directed toward the radio broadcast fund.

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