Mildred Koester, 87, of Albert Lea died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Mildred was born April 11, 1924, to Fred and Anna (Kycek) Sistek in rural Oakland. She grew up in rural Myrtle and attended District 32 and District 75 schools.

On March 3, 1945, she was united in marriage to Leroy Koester at the Methodist parsonage in Albert Lea. Mildred worked as a pastry cook at Anita Trostem in Kiester.

The couple farmed and lived in the Kiester area until retiring when they moved to Albert Lea. Mildred was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Kiester where she was active in the UMW and Ruth Circle. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Mildred enjoyed playing cards and bingo, embroidery, sewing, baking, gardening, reading and especially dancing. She was also an avid Twins fan. Mildred was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her children: Steven and Sharon Koester, Kiester, Kevin and Nancy Koester, Faulkton, S.D., Vicki and Gayle Kuethe, Alden, LeAnn and Marvin Fendrich, Emmons, and Janelle and Mark Behr, Conger; grandchildren: Ryan and Katie Maier, Dustin and Kim Lorentzen, Brian Schmidt and Krystal Behr, Kara Behr and Jason Attleson, Brian and Jenny Goldner, Caleb and Stacy Martinmaas, Jessie and Hunter Speck, Jill and Joe Schulte, Jason Koester, Eric Trytten, Jon Trytten and fiancé Alisha Gregoire, Mitch Kuethe and Doug and Laura Kuethe; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Mossy and Autumn Lorentzen, Dayna and Ethan Martinmaas, Trey and Allie Hutchinson, Shaylee Speck, Katelyn Smith, Trevor and Alex Kuethe, Samantha, Breanna, Alyssa and Taylor Kuethe, Ainsley Maier and Teah Trytten; and sister: Mary Ann Sistek.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leroy; one son in infancy; brothers, Freddie and Richard Sistek.

Funeral services for Mildred will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Chapel. Rev. Cherie Daniel will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour before the service. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.