Douglas Koester

Douglas Robert Koester, 72, of Hamilton NJ passed away on March 17, 2023. In his final moments he was surrounded by his loving children. Doug, passed after his year long battle with cancer. His children are at peace because they know their father is free from all the pain he endured. Douglas, better known as Doug, was born on July 29, 1950 and grew up in Elizabeth, NJ. He attended Oratory Prep in Summit NJ, where he played Football and other sports. Doug remained a sports fan throughout his life and enjoyed watching football on Sundays with his Grandsons. He also loved catching up on all the sports news with his son.

After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. When Doug was asked why he chose to enlist while the Vietnam War was going on he said “It was my duty to serve God and my country” While enlisted, he fought in the Vietnam War. Like many who have served, Doug didn’t share many details about his time at war, he was awarded 2 purple hearts. He spoke about the places he was stationed including Camp Lejeune, NC and Okinawa Japan. Doug’s favorite part of serving in the military was how many places he traveled.  After serving his country, Doug returned home where he went to Ocean County College and worked for IBM and Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton in IT, before finally retiring.Doug spent 15 years married to the love of his life, Lorraine. After her passing in August 2003, he devoted his life to taking care of their children.

He is survived by his children, Jak (Kelly), Deanna (Aleks), and Ryan. Along with his brother Bill (Elaine), nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and good friends. His greatest joy in life was being a Grandfather to his grandsons, Caleb, Jakson, and Bryce. Doug was welcomed to rest forever by his beautiful wife, Lorraine, mother, Mary, Father, Bill, and younger brother, Fred.

Visitation and funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Blackwell Memorial Home, 21 North Main St., Pennington, NJ.

Flowers are welcomed and appreciated, but due to the unexpected death of their father, the family asks to consider a memorial donation to offset funeral costs and to allow them to lay their father to rest. To honor Doug’s wishes “to be cremated and set to rest next to Lorraine”, his children and grandchildren.