Deborah "Deb" Koester

December 7, 1959 ~ December 30, 2024

Born in: Wayne, NE
Resided in: Alta Vista, IA

Deborah “Deb” Koester age 65 of Alta Vista, IA died Monday, December 30, 2024, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life event will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Prairie Lakes Church – New Hampton with Rev. Cory Orr officiating. A private meal will be held in Deb’s honor following the service at the Chickasaw Event Center.

Friends may greet the family from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Praire Lakes Chuch – New Hampton.

Deb Koester passed away on December 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Deb Koester will be deeply missed by many. She was a powerful woman of God, who loved Jesus Christ. One of her outstanding traits was her selflessness; putting others’ needs before her own. Another talent was her listening skills. She was joyful and lighthearted. Her smile, laughter, and sparkling eyes were contagious. Deb joined Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc. as a successful consultant in 1988. She earned the position of independent Sales Director in 1994 and went on to become Independent Senior Sales Director in 2001. Deb spent time working as the publisher of the Alta Vista Shopper for 8 ½ years. All the while, Deb worked with and supported her beloved husband, Todd. Her love, joy, and influence on the lives around her will not be forgotten!

Deb is survived by her lifetime soulmate Todd Koester of Alta Vista, IA; two brothers, Terry (Khanh) Urwiler of Tucson, AZ, and Dan (Ulu) Urwiler of Kauai, HI.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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Renee Burke says:

December 31, 2024 at 4:05 pm

So sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was always so helpful and upbeat. She did a great job with the AV Shopper. She will be missed.

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Andrea Fair says:

January 1, 2025 at 10:32 am

I’m so sorry for your loss, Todd. Deb was such a beautiful person on the inside and outside. I always looked forward to our visits. I am so glad I had the chance to know her~she will be dearly missed by our family.

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Irene and Tom Frantzen says:

January 1, 2025 at 5:53 pm

So very sorry for your loss. Deb was a good gal. During her years of working with the AV Shopper, she was always so kind and helpful when I needed to put something in the shopper. Community spirited, keeping everyone informed of all the events for our community, Deb was a true asset to Alta Vista. She will be missed. RIP Deb.

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Mona Kramer says:

January 2, 2025 at 10:48 am

My heart is broken. Deb you were my sister from another mother. No one could understand our crazy actions more than each other. Having you as a friend for over 60 years has been a blessing. You were such an influence to me and my family. Not sure who I will have to do some of our wild and crazy ideas. I pray you are flying high my friend and out of pain. Love you Sis, Mona and family

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Lyle and Lynn Ries says:

January 2, 2025 at 3:13 pm

So sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. We enjoyed working with her as she published the Alta Vista Shopper. She did a great job! Prayers for you Todd, and your family, as you have to adjust to life without her physical presence. May she rest in peace and may you find comfort in your memories. With Sympathy and prayers.

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Elaine Sanders says:

January 4, 2025 at 10:50 am

Todd, Kenny & I are so sorry for your loss. Deb was a great person, we had lots of fun in high school. We stayed in touch via Facebook, her kindness and beauty was always present. We are keeping you and all her loved ones in our prayers. Elaine & Kenny Sanders

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Lorraine Hunt says:

January 9, 2025 at 11:01 am

Rest in peace my beautiful friend.

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Amy Bennett says:

January 9, 2025 at 9:02 pm

Sending hugs and love to Todd from me, Jim, Luke, Daisy, and Scott. I met Deb when she became my Mary Kay Sales Director in 1996 and instantly connected with her. She was so fun, caring, and loving; she provided support without pressure and encouraged with excitement! I will cherish all of the fun times at Seminar and Career Conferences when we spent time in our “Pink Bubble” having fun, acting goofy, and absorbing all of the wonderful life lessons. I will forever be in her debt for providing guidance and making me feel like we were family from that very first meeting. Deb, I know that you are in the arms of our Lord now and will forever be a very special Angel watching over those you love.

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Pauline Reinsch says:

January 12, 2025 at 2:06 pm

I met Deb through MaryKay. She welcomed me with open arms to training in AZ and to join her team at seminar. Her kindness and beautiful smile is what I will remember the most. Todd, my prayers are with you and your family.

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Nancy Ross says:

January 18, 2025 at 1:51 pm

I’m so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. I have been a Mary Kay customer of hers since 1991. We started out together in Phoenix then both moved to different states. I will miss her notes to me with product. Rest in peace, Deb.

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