CLINTON —
Tom Koester, 60, of Clinton, likes people. Always ready to tell a joke to put someone at ease, he likes to brighten people’s days and make them smile.
Originally from Dubuque, Tom has been in the service industry for most of his adult life. He moved to Clinton 39 years ago and managed the Shot Tower Inn, where he met his wife, Sandy. The couple will celebrate 35 years in May and have three children and three grandchildren.
Tom also has managed a Pizza Hut for 17 years and was a co-owner of a Happy Joe’s for two years. He worked for local supply and distribution companies for almost 20 years.
“I don’t try to sell anything to anybody. I try to fulfill their needs,” Tom said. “Try to fulfill their needs before they know they have a need.”
Tom plans to bring this same quality of service to his new position at Lemke Funeral Home. In November, he started at the funeral home as a “pre-need salesman.” He works with people who want to take care of the funeral arrangements and final expenses in advance.
Tom said he came to Lemke Funeral Home for several visitations and was impressed with the care they provided. He hopes to help people and their families by providing “pre-need” services. He has seen families struggle with a loved one’s final expenses when nothing was planned ahead of time.
“It’s just sad sometimes,” Tom said.
He hopes that by helping people plan these arrangements now, he can make things easier for them years from now.
In his private life, Tom stays active. He is an active member of Prince of Peace Parish and is involved with the Catholic Historical Center at St. Boniface.
He plays softball in the summer and goes ice fishing in the winter.
Features
Related Photos
Discussion
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Tom Koester
- Features
-
-
Waterlogged: Covering the stadium bills recommended
CLINTON — The city of Clinton is considering covering more than $10,000 in bills relating to water damage at Ashford University Field.
- Some not wild about hogs CLINTON -- No decision has been made on a proposal for a hog confinement operation in rural Clinton County. This facility would be located approximately 7 miles southeast of Elwood and 5 to 6 miles northwest of Welton. The Clinton County Board of Sup
-
Captain, crew thankful for Clinton's hospitality
CLINTON -- After a fun-filled weekend, the Nina and Pinta have packed up and shipped out to their next location on the Mississippi River. Clinton residents welcomed the ships with warm hospitality Thursday and made the crew feel right at home through
-
Bluegrass festival launches more plans
The first Bluegrass Festival commenced Saturday and the city of Fulton saw a successful turnout.
-
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: John LeComte
John LeComte does not consider himself a history scholar.
-
Church leadership passes from father to son Sunday
Forty-four years after he arrived in Clinton to revive a failing church, Pastor Jim Machen Sr. will pass the senior pastor role at the Church of the Open Door to his son, Jim Machen Jr., tomorrow on Father's Day.
-
Clinton moves toward banning tobacco at city-sponsored youth events (With video)
Deciding that its action actually will underscore state law, the Clinton City Council has taken a step toward banning tobacco at city-sponsored youth events.
-
How does your garden grow?
McCAUSLAND -- A new hydroponics garden project is happening at Lost Grove Lake near McCausland. Project organizer Dr. Charles Theiling, and his team of students and interns from the Upper Mississippi River Center, is attempting to grow crops and nat
-
Pinta and Nina to arrive in Clinton Thursday
The ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina,’ replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, have successfully continued their journey upstream on the Mississippi River.
- Putting a Roof Over Their Heads CLINTON -- Thankful for the community spirit around them, James and Roberta Jess are grateful to the 20 people who recently helped put a roof on their home at 3106 Roosevelt St. That assistance is very appreciated as 11 years ago, James was diagnosed
- More Features Headlines
-
