(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Donald D. Kuester, age 82, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away on June 5, 2024, in Mercy Hospital of Joplin. Donald was born on August 27, 1941, in California, Missouri, to Rudolph John and Clara Emma (Boeckhaus) Kuester. He graduated from California High School in 1959.
During high school he met and eventually married the love of his life, Sylvia Vernon, on October 29, 1961. They moved to Jefferson City, MO shortly after marriage. Don and Sylvia were blessed with three daughters: Pam, Sheila, and Julie.
Donald was the Executive Vice President for Farm Credit Services, now known as FCS Financial, which he retired from in 1990 after 30 years of service. Donald served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1961 to 1967.
Don and Sylvia and the girls enjoyed camping, canoeing, playing and watching baseball, especially his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and traveling the States. After 40 years in Jeff City, Don and Sylvia moved to Carl Junction, MO. In retirement he adored his grandchildren, celebrating their successes in school and sports.
Don and Sylvia were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Joplin.
Preceding him in death are his parents and brother, Robert John “Brother John” Kuester.
He is survived by wife Sylvia, daughters Pam Distler and husband Dan, Sheila Grunewald and husband Grant, Julie Long and husband Kent, five grandchildren: Jake and Gracie Distler, Gabe Grunewald, and Nick and Zach Long, sisters-in-law Margery Kuester and Sharon Hess and husband Bill, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many more extended family members.
A family-held graveside service with Pastor Christopher Ramstad officiating will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 15, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, California, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Braille Workers or Martin Luther School of Joplin, MO.
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