Barbara Joan Koester Obituary | Barbara Joan Koester Obituary

Barbara Joan Rockhill Koester, age 90, former public school teacher and much loved family member, died April 25 in Ames, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 1:00pm at Bethesda Lutheran Church 1517 Northwestern Avenue, Ames, IA. Following the service there will be a time of fellowship with family and friends.

Livestream of Barbara's service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/event/998800/b1cc9c0a1a

Barbara was born in Marshalltown, IA on August 27, 1935 to Norval and Ida Rockhill, she graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1953, Luther College in 1957, and taught 3rd grade in Cedar Rapids for 4 years where she met her future husband and life partner, James Koester.

They married in 1961 and moved to Ames, IA where they made their home for the next 65 years and raised two children, David Alan Koester and Amy Lynn (Koester) Nervig. Barb taught Kindergarten and First grade for 28 years in the Ames public school system (at Beardshear, Crawford and Northwood Elementary Schools) and gently launched several generations of children on their educational journeys, retiring in 1997.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Norval and Ida (Mikkelson) Rockhill, and siblings, Mildred (Leon) Gardner, Gilbert (Barbara) Rockhill, and Richard (Rosemary) Rockhill.

She is survived by her husband Jim, son, David, and daughter in law, Ruth Koester, and daughter, Amy Nervig, and son in law, Mike, along with two grandchildren, Jenna Koester Wolf (Tom) and Emily Koester (Nathan Thompson) and a great-grandson, George Wolf. Barb was much beloved by her children and grandchildren as well as many of her nieces and nephews, their children, and extended family.

She and Jim were members at Bethesda Lutheran Church, she was also active in the local P.E.O. chapter, and friends with many in the Ames community. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her warm and thoughtful ways, her special letters and poetry.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel so moved, please donate to one of Barb's chosen charities: The ALS Association, The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, or Bethesda Lutheran Church.

Ed Hendrickson on May 6, 2026

To JIM AND the family , My sympathies to you from a long time friend. Ed Hendrickson,sr

Melissa Anderson on Apr 30, 2026

I had Mrs. Koester for a teacher and she was so nice I will miss her a great deal.

Amy Nervig on Apr 30, 2026

Dean Tope on Apr 28, 2026

My heart is broken. We lost one of the most wonderful women I’ve ever meet. She treated me as if I was one of her own growing up. I often called her “mom” in later years. I loved her like she was my mom. Sending Hugs&Prayers to the family and friends that knew and loved this dear lady. I’ll miss you. But will carry you with me forever. Rest Easy Mom. You’re no longer in pain. 💔

Marsha Richards (Dilts) on Apr 28, 2026

I have such fond memories of spending time at the Koester house as a kid. Barb was so kind and positive. Hugs and love to her family, she will be deeply missed.

Mary Ellen Agan on Apr 28, 2026

Candle I will miss my beautiful cousin and our phone calls. She was one of the nicest people I have ever known, and she was my cousin by marriage. And she has a wonderful family who will miss her greatly. Prayers and blessings for all of the Koesters.