Ronald E. Koester, 66, of Montrose passed away at 6:12 p.m., Thursday July 11, 2013 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. www.bauerfh.com

Ronald was born February 8, 1947 in Effingham, the son of Ambrose and Eleanor (Ruholl) Koester. He married Linda (Brown) and she preceded him in death in 1980. Ronald then married Pamela Arnold and they later divorced. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham and had worked in construction for many years.

Ronald is survived by his six sons, Doug (Leslie) of Altamont, Steve of Montrose, Shane (Jessica) of Effingham, Brent of Texas, Brian of Fort Gordon, Georgia and Lance (Christina) of Edgewood; two daughters, Tina (Jesse) Mays of Altamont and Kim of Cowden; three sisters, Mary Margaret (Bob) Bloemer of Green Creek, Judy (Paul) Lohman of Teutopolis and Janet (Kenny) Tegeler of Sigel; 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda; sister, Nancy Koester and daughter-in-law, Brenda.