Thomas Lee "Tom" Koestner

Thomas Lee “Tom” Koestner, 85, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on June 4, 1940, in Moniteau County, Missouri on the family farm to Frederick William and Rozene Marie (Buchta) Koestner.

Tom attended Cole R-I Russellville through the tenth grade. He quit school to go to work in construction to help support his family.

Tom met the love of his life, Alberta Boeckman, and they were married on October 27, 1962.

They were blessed with four children, Tim, Todd, Tami and Travis. Additional blessings came with eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Grandpa Tom was probably his most treasured name. He was adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They loved listening to Grandpa Tom stories, which may have been embellished a little and immensely entertaining. Tom never met a stranger. He had a large circle of friends who would stop by to talk and “BS,” as Tom would say.

Tom owned Koestner Masonry with his sons until his retirement.
Hard worker, bricklayer, farmer, cow lover, dog lover, gambling boat lover, and storyteller are just a few of the words that describe Tom, and he will be deeply missed.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Bert Koestner, his children Tim (Carol) Koestner, Todd (Sheri) Koestner, Tami (Kris) Kirchner, Travis (Gidget) Koestner; grandchildren Jessica (Michael) Keeran, Cody (Brooke) Koestner, Sara (Tanner) Bollman, Emma (Kalen) Brickey, Anna Koestner, Mollie (Brandon) Keck, Addie (DeShawn) Cole, Natalie Kirchner, Allee Koestner, Kueffer Koestner and Adler Koestner; great grandchildren, Carter, Caroline, Josie, Sadie, Wendie, Koen, Karsyn, Ada and Elsie; and one sister, Jean Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Betsy (Chris) Christiansen and Barbara Sue Koestner; and a brother-in-law, Cecil Anderson.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Russellville.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Russellville with Pastor Ed Merckel officiating.

Burial will be in Enloe Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Russellville, MO, or Cole R-I School Kids Care Fund.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Russellville. Trimblefunerals.com