January 27, 1941 - December 3, 2024
William D. Kester, 83, of Belleville, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.
He was born on January 27, 1941 in Lewistown to the late Donald T. and Mary Jane (Stahlman) Kester. On December 29, 1962, he married Ann (Olskey) Kester, who preceded him in death on October 20, 2024.
Surviving are children: Douglas R. Kester and wife Carol of Bloomsburg, Cindy A. Harpster and husband Lewie of Lewistown, and William T. Kester and wife Pam of Leola; grandchildren: Elizabeth Kester and husband Dave, Paula Kester, Camille Kester, Mason Kester, Shawn Harpster and wife Odalis, and Jahlina Kester; great-grandchildren: Joshua Csernak, Matthew Csernak, and Andrea Harpster Batista; and a brother, Charles A. Kester and wife Carol of Plain Field, IN.
Bill graduated from Kish High School in 1959. He then went on to earn a technical degree in electronics from Williamsport Area Community College. Following his education, he went to work for Fisher Electronics for a few years, he then became employed at the Belleville New Holland Plant Foundry and Machine Shop. He also owned and operated Kester’s Auctioneering with his family’s help for many years.
In earlier years, Bill was highly involved in the Belleville Fire Company, most notably, helping with the Belleville Festival. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Belleville and served as the caretaker for the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery for a number of years. He was also a member of the Getty’s Ridge Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was also very instrumental in coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for many years in Big Valley.
A graveside service at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Belleville, is being planned for a later date.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to: Belleville Fire Company, 4231 East Main Street, Belleville, PA 17004.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, 3813 West Main Street, Belleville. Online condolences can be made at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.
Condolences to the Kester family. I was Bill’s friend forever, worked with him at NewHolland and spent many memorable times at hunting camp with him over the years. He will be missed.