Harold Kester, Jr.

Funeral Services for Harold Kester, Jr., age 79 of Clearwater were at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2005 at the St. Theresa�s Catholic Church in Clearwater with Father Bill Safranek officiating. Music was provided by Celine Filsinger and Carol Thiele organists and the St. Theresa�s Choir. Jacqueline Cammack soloist sang �On Eagles Wings� accompanied by Rita Kester. Burial was in the St. Theresa�s Parish Cemetery with military rites provided by American Legion Post 172 of Neligh. Pallbearers were Jeremy, Tim, Jr., Duane, Dana and Tyler Kester, Jason Zeleski, Josh Kilpatrick, Jacob Cammack. Visitation was Friday, April 8, 2005 from 3 to 5 PM at Snider Memorial Funeral Home and after 6 PM at the church with a 7:30 PM vigil prayer service and rosary. He passed away at his residence Wednesday, April 06, 2005. Harold Kester, Jr. was born June 27, 1925 at Neligh, Nebraska the son of Harold and Betty ( Miller) Kester. He grew up in the Neligh area and graduated from Neligh High School in 1943. He then was drafted into the United States Army on October 8, 1943 at Ft. Cook, NE. He served in the Pacific Theater campaign. He was discharged from the army March 6, 1946 at Ft. Logan, Colorado. He returned to Neligh and on June 18, 1949 at St. Theresa�s Church in Clearwater was united in marriage to Lucille Thiele. The couple made their home on a farm north of Clearwater where Harold was an active farmer and dairyman. Harold was a member of St. Theresa�s Catholic Church where he was confirmed and served as chairman of the Building Committee during the building of the new church in 1989-1990. He was also a member of the VFW and Am.Legion Post 172 of Neligh and a past member and commander of Am. Legion Post 267 of Clearwater. He loved his family, farming, golfing and fishing with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, 10 children: Tim and wife Carol Kester, Tom and wife Diana Kester, Bob and wife Rita Kester all of Clearwater, NE, Kathy and husband Dave Zeleski of Denver, CO, LuAnn and husband Steve Kilpatrick of Jackson, WY, Terri and husband Paul Cammack of Lincoln, NE, John and wife Lee Ann Kester, Bill and wife Sandy Kester, Dick and wife Teresa Kester all of Clearwater, NE, and Jennifer and husband Bill Johnson of Edgar, NE, 45 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Joe, a grandson Christopher Kester, and one brother Kenny. Memorials may be directed to either St. Theresa�s Church or Clearwater Rescue Squad.