Thomas F. Koester, 75 of rural Effingham, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Effingham with Rev. Koschmenn officiating. Burial will take place in Arborcrest Memorial Park, west of Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham and for one hour prior to funeral services, Tuesday morning at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com .

Tom was born November 17, 1942 in Effingham County, the son of Harold and Mildred (Will) Koester. He was united in marriage on May 12, 1962 to Beverly Bahrns in Marshall, North Carolina. Tom was involved in Excavating for Gene Mayhause for years, then was self-employed for over 50 years as Tom Koester Excavating. He was also a farmer in the Green Creek area, as well as an operator for Wente Plumbing. Tom enjoyed farming and spending time with his family.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Beverly and sons, Todd A. (Diane) and Tim E. (Deb), all of Effingham; granddaughters, Morgan (Rod) Brumleve, Macy (special friend, Kyle Dasenbrock) and Casey; great-granddaughter, Brynley Hayes; great-great-grandson, August Brumleve; step-grandchildren, Paul (Joci) Hilgenberg and Keith (Amanda) Cummins; step-great-grandchildren, Keley, Austin and Sierra Hilgenberg and Conner and Liam Cummins; brothers, Donald (Joan), Charles (Linda) and Dennis (Irene), all of Effingham and Jim (Lucy) of Teutopolis; sister, Janet (Larry) Stein of Effingham and mother-in-law, Caroline Bahrns of Effingham.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene and father-in-law, Albert Bahrns.