Arthur F. Koester

Koester, Arthur F. Age 87. October 22, 2017 of Portage and formerly of Grosse Ile. Loving husband of 63 years to Clare. Beloved father of William Charles "Bill" and Ann Phyllis (Gerardo) Rincon. Proud grandfather of Alicia (Kyle) Wright and Michael Rincon. Also survived by his brother-in-law James Piet of Charleston, SC as well as other loving family and friends. Arthur graduated from Wayne State University with a masters degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a dedicated employee and management leader of Pennwalt/Elf ATO-Chem Corporation at their Wyandotte, Philadelphia and Chicago facilities. His many activities include being the past President of Grosse Ile Kiwanis, past President of Kiwanis Division 5; having Committee Chairmanships with Kiwanis of Michigan and Kiwanis International; past Chairmanships of National Management Association State and International Committees. He was the Grosse Ile Rotary Citizen of the Year 1994; past President of Downriver Republican Grassroots Organization, Grosse Ile Historical Society and Midwest Canary Club. He was a member of Sacred Heart Usher's Club, the founder of Sacred Heart Giving Garden and past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 13475; past President of the Island Beautification Committee and Keep Michigan Beautiful Local and State Committees. Arthur was instrumental in many Grosse Ile beautification initiatives including: Island Clean Up, Service Club Sign and Flag Pole, Township Memorial Garden, planting and caring for Four Corners, for which the Northwest corner is dedicated and named after him. Interment Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations may be made to: Sacred Heart Parish, 21599 Parke Lane, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 or to Hospice Care of Southwest, MI 222 North Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A video tribute will be added, please check back.