Gary "Skip" Frederick Koester, 71, of Lakeport, Florida passed away on September 24, 2017. He was born on July 31, 1946 in Lincoln, Illinois. Gary lived in Lincoln until leaving to serve as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. Gary married Lana M. Kraft in 1968. They relocated to Florida where they raised their children. Gary loved his family, fishing, NASCAR, western movies, football and the Chicago Cubs.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Mae Koester, and his father, Frederick "Fritz" Koester. Gary is survived by his son, Troy Koester (Kelly) and his daughter, Kimberlie Koester-Bender (Eric), grandchildren: Troy (Jr.) Koester, Drew Koester, Bowen Bender, Egan Bender and Gwenlyn Bender, siblings: Susan Pirtle , Fred Koester and their families.

A graveside service for immediate and extended family will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of his life at the American Legion in Lincoln, IL at 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2017. In lieu of flowers, those who desire, may donate to the Wounded Warrior Project (National Processing Center, PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541) in his honor.