There are condolences waiting approval on Michael's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Michael Dana Kester
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Michael.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Michael Dana Kester
Michael Dana (Mike) Kester of Redfield, Iowa, died at home surrounded by his family on January 27, 2020 after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was 58 years old.
Mike was born in Des Moines, the fourth and youngest child born to Henry (Hank) and Donna Kester. He grew up with his parents and siblings west of Redfield and graduated from Dexfield Community School. Mike served in the US Army and received an honorable discharge in 1981. Mike lived briefly in Texas, where he worked on both party boats and fishing boats. He worked as a welder at Monarch Mfg, and did farming and millwright work. Most recently, Mike had been employed at John Deere in Ankeny for 15 years, where he welded and programmed welding robots.
Mike married Lisa Van Engen and they made their home on an acreage near Redfield with their beloved chocolate lab, Dutch. Mike loved living in Redfield, loved his home in the country, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and sailing. He loved nature and spending time in the outdoors. He loved his family and often took younger family members fishing or exploring the timber. He and Lisa enjoyed gardening and sharing their harvest with friends and family. He enjoyed spending time with friends, especially when fishing.
Mike was looking forward to retirement, buying a boat and spending his spare time sailing and fishing. He had recently bought a kayak, and was excited as he looked forward to using it to fish in local ponds and rivers.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Henry, his dog, Dutch, his uncle George, his mother-in-law, Wilma Nielsen, and his grandparents.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lisa, his mother, Donna Kester, siblings, Randy (Mary) Kester, Dennis (Barb) Kester and Deb (Roy) Milligan, nieces and nephews Curt (Tara) Lantz Jr., Stacy Jaeger, Amber (Jonas) Chladek, Zebin Kester, Nicole (Nick) Kettler, Micah Milligan, Emily Baum and numerous great-nieces and nephews, sisters-in law, brothers-in law, nieces and nephews-in-law. Mike is also survived by his aunt, Sandra McCauley, cousins, Mark (Lynn) Madren and Matthew Madren, Florence Truesdell, and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Unity Point Hospice and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Thursday, January 30th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Dexter. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 31st at the Redfield Christian Church. Luncheon will follow the memorial service at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to Unity Point Hospice and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
