Harold C. Kester

Obituary for Harold C. Kester, age 80 of Clintonville, WI.

Harold walked and ran into the arms of his loving Savior on the evening of January 16, 2021. Something he was unable to do since his stroke in 2012, which left him wheelchair bound.

As the first baby born on Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940, in Outagamie County, he became the proud owner of a beautiful wicker baby buggy which he never got to ride in. Being the third child of Alvin and Martha (Hoewish) Kester, Dale, WI he got what many of us got…a hand-me-down buggy! He was reborn through baptism soon after and later was confirmed and married at the same church, St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Dale, WI.

After attending the same one room school near his home for eight years, he enrolled at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, where he was a member of the second graduating class. His strong belief in Christian education led him to endure a rigorous life style. Every day, as a teenager going to school, he was unsure of how he was getting home, a ride with a friend, hitch-hiking, or many times walking the 13 miles from Appleton to Dale. Once home, he began his chores on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work.

God, family and country, in that order, became his motto for life. Soon after graduating high school, he volunteered for the Army, spending 18 months of his 3 year commitment in Korea along the 38th parallel. After coming home, he met and married the love of his life, Sharon Rockteschel, whom he called his “little one.” Married 55 years, they raised two wonderful children, to which they passed on the love of their Savior.

Harold was selfless and is known for always lending a helping hand, especially when it involved wood. He lived in the woods near Sobieski, WI and loved offering his help, taking a core of wood to his friends or pulling out a neighbor’s tractor which was stuck in the woods. He loved animals whether big or small. His dog, Rascal, held a special place in his heart.

Caring for his aging in-laws brought him to Clintonville, WI where he became a member of the American Legion Post 63 and the VFW Post 664. After his stroke, he could often be seen roaming the streets of Clintonville in his wheelchair day or night, known as the Neighborhood Watch, and making friends along the way with people or with an officer on patrol in the middle of the night,

He worked as a machinist at various places, most recently at Paper Converting Machine in Green Bay. He put his trade to use when building his home with many unique features, to include a lift to allow him entrance to the basement.

As a past member of St. Mark Ev. Lutheran Church, DePere, WI for 46 years, he was blessed to be served by many inspiring Biblical pastors, in particular Dr. John Parlow and a growing congregation of Christ followers. His current membership was with St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Clintonville with Pastor Titus Buelow leading God’s little flock home.

Those waiting to see Harold again soon are his loving wife, Sharon, son, Kevin (Nicky) Kester, daughter, Janelle (Jason) Lange and grandchildren, James, Joshua, Madeline, Liam and Micah. Also brothers, Reuben and Richard (Linda) Kester; sister, Naomi Reick; Brothers-in law, Oscar Moldenhauer and Brian (Sharon) Rockteschel; and many other relatives and friends. Meeting him at heaven’s door were his parents, Alvin and Martha Kester; in-laws, Harold and Marion Rockteschel; sister, Ruth Moldenhauer; and sister-in-law, Vicki Lynn Rockteschel.

Harold’s funeral service will be held privately at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Titus Buelow officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in the Town of Fremont, Waupaca County. Military honors will be conducted outside of the church following the service by members of the Clintonville American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com

The family wishes to thank Dr. Yu Chin Fang and the Thedacare at Home Team for the excellent care given to Harold. You helped lighten our load and brighten our days during these difficult times.

Harold no longer needs assistance moving from chair to bed or reminding his grandkids to protect their toes from the wheels of his chair. A man with a heart of gold will now take a walk with God for eternity.