Melvin R. Koester, 60 of Lillyville, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 3, 2018 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lillyville, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the church with a 6:30 p.m. parish prayer service. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Louis Hope Lodge (*link below) or to Sacred Heart Church, Lillyville.

Melvin was born August 3, 1957 in Effingham, the son of Raymond J. and Agnes M. (Ruholl) Koester. He married Connie Deters on June 14, 1986 and she survives. Melvin was employed with John Boos Block Factory in Effingham for 33 years and served as a leader with the Cumberland County 4-H. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lillyville and was involved with the Parish Council, as well as being a religious education teacher.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Connie; children, Jason (fiancee, Heather) Koester, Jodi (Brent) Garner and Melissa (fiancé, Clayton Apke) Koester; sisters, Linda (Robert) Barnick and Diana (Brad) Foor; father-in-law, James Deters; many nieces and nephews also survive.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Louise Deters.

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/st-louis/about-our-facility.html