Clifford John Kester

Beloved by all, Cliff Kester was a joy to know and love. He worked hard to provide for the family entrusted to his care, and he served his community well in each of his endeavors. A steadfast joker and an even better storyteller, Cliff entertained all with his fun-loving personality. Although he will be dearly missed, never to be forgotten are the wonderful memories he leaves behind.

As the Roaring Twenties ushered in new ways of thinking, by 1921 jazz was all the rage and Charlie Chaplin starred on the big screen. Prosperity and good fortune created a sense of exhilaration never before seen while baseball continued to be America's favorite pastime. Yet in the historic community of Chatfield, Minnesota, the birth of Clifford John Kester on January 19, 1921 was the greatest blessing of all in the lives of his parents, Archie and Wilhelmina (Linnemeyer) Kester. Born at home on his parent's family farm just on the outskirts of Chatfield, young Clifford grew up on the family farm where he experienced many boyhood adventures.

Cliff attended the rural Chatfield School walking two miles each way. A likable young boy, he learned the value of hard work from an early age which served him well throughout his life. Along with his studies, he had many chores on the farm, and like many of his generation, work always came before play. When Cliff's father sadly died in a hunting accident when Cliff was 19, he took over and ran their family farm.

As a young man, Cliff met the young woman of his dreams while out dancing to Little Ole's Band, playing in St. Charles. Quite taken by Dorothy Barr's beautiful, dark hair and red dress which both caught his eye, Cliff vowed that she was the kind of women he would one day marry. Cliff took a chance the following day and went to Dorothy's house to see her. Although her mother said she was running an errand, in reality Dorothy was still in bed! He came back later, and their time together turned into a lifelong relationship. Meeting Dorothy was the best day of Cliff's life.

On June 24, 1942, Cliff's dream was realized when he and Dorothy were happily married at the Episcopal Church in St. Charles. During their reception, Cliff and Dorothy were dancing when a cousin of Dorothy's walked up to them and put her hands in Cliff's pocket. When he asked what she was doing, she responded, "Dorothy said the only way she'd ever marry a farmer was if his pockets were lined with gold. I was checking to see if that was the case." Blessed with 71 years of marriage, it was only the beginning of their deep, abiding love.

For 15 years, Cliff and Dorothy farmed together until moving into town in 1957. Throughout these years, they welcomed three wonderful daughters, Joyce, Judy, and Donna. Cliff was proud of his family and over the years they enjoyed many memorable times together making numerous, treasured memories. Cliff was devoted and dedicated to his girls, and encouraged them along life's way. He and Dorothy were "fun parents" and taught their children well by way of example. As a couple they loved to dance, especially square dancing with the Whitewater Whirlers. When their girls were young they took them to dances where they learned how to dance and have fun, too.

After farming, Cliff began working for Morrill & Son where he remained for 17 years. While there, Cliff was nearly buried alive. Darwin thankfully dug him out, although Cliff was bruised and sore for a time. For the next 10 years of his career, Cliff served the City of St. Charles until his eventual retirement.

Retirement was good for Cliff and Dorothy. As a couple they enjoyed traveling the country together in their camper, having visited 47 states. Wherever they went, they were sure to stop at the local Moose Lodges and Moose Heart. They also took in the warmth of the sun enjoying the winters in Apache Junction, Arizona and in Donna, Texas at the Big Valley RV Park for 23 years.

Cliff and Dorothy were very active in the St. Charles Moose Lodge. Cliff's passion and support for the Moose Lodge even included the construction of their new facility. He and Dorothy enjoyed the delicious burger nights and other activities at the Moose where they made lasting friends. In fact, the year 2016 commemorates Cliff's 50th year of membership and service to the St. Charles Chapter.

Nearly inseparable, there were many things Cliff and Dorothy enjoyed together. Along with their wanderlust spirit for travel and dancing, they also played a lot of card games with their neighbors on the farm, Hugo and Phyllis Waechter. They often went fishing, and while Dorothy caught and cooked them, Cliff ate them! A very close couple, they loved doing most everything together and they took the time to talk things through together.

Cliff liked going out to eat, especially for steak and fish. When it came to TV, he liked Everybody Loves Raymond, the Lawrence Welk Show and the Andy Griffith Show. With his usual flare, Cliff's love for joking around endeared him to many.

The women in Cliff's life were an exceptional influence on him. His early life was spent mainly with his mother as an only child, and most of his adult life was spent with his beloved Dorothy. When she passed away in 2014, Cliff was lost without her and since her death, he has been very lonely. His little Pug Rocky helped him to get through some of his lonely days.

Family was by far the heart of Cliff Kester and family brought him the greatest joy. Since Cliff never learned how to ride a bike, when his grandson, Gary was learning, Cliff told him, "I don't know what you're all excited about. All you're doing is using your feet and legs to give your back end a ride!" However, always loving and nurturing, Cliff was grateful for his many blessings. Always a good man, in his later years, Cliff was nothing but the sweetest old man anyone could find. And for those who knew him best, he will be forever and lovingly remembered.

On Tuesday, March 22, 2016 our family lost our beloved, Clifford John Kester, age 95 of St. Charles. Surrounded by his family who loved him dearly, he passed away at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Mary's Campus. He is survived by his three daughters: Joyce (Jesse) Wurl of Plainview, Judy (Bernie Sr.) Schott and Donna Schultz, both of St. Charles; eight grandchildren: Gary Wurl of Houston, TX, Diana (Raymond) Moss of Plainfield, IL, Bradley Wurl of Plainview, Kim (Tom) Steiger of St. Charles, Bernie (Gina) Schott Jr. of Rochester, Ben (Angie) Schott of Rollingstone, Jeremy (Angie) Schultz of Lake City, and Jeffrey Schultz of Chatfield; 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; and his beloved and faithful dog, Rocky. Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Kester in 2014, his parents, and son-in-law, Jesse Wurl.

Cliff was fortunate to have had many fantastic and caring care providers. Special thanks to Kari Huddleston, who became like a fourth daughter to Cliff, and Carol Gohman. Your love, support and compassion will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 25, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Rev. Steve McGinley officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a luncheon and Celebration of Life at the St. Charles Moose Lodge. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Hoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service - St. Charles (U.S. 14 West) and one hour prior to the service at the church. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and granddaughters will be honorary pallbearers. To share a favorite memory of Cliff, sign his online guestbook and to view his video tribute when it becomes available, please visit www.hofffuneral.com.