James Pester

James Franklin Pester, 69, of Marshalltown, died Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Southridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He will be cremated and Memorial Services will be performed by Reverend Mary Jane Oakland on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Marshalltown. Family will be present at the church one hour prior to services, to receive friends. Burial will take place at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. Jim was born March 31, 1943, in Madison, South Dakota to George and Margaret Pester. He was raised in Madison and attended Madison schools. He served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964 and served overseas in Panama and the Philippines. He attended vocational school in auto body repair at Calmar Community College and at Hawkeye Community College for semi driving. He completed auto body work for several years and drove a semi-truck over-the-road for several years as well. His last place of employment prior to retirement was as a driver for Fuji Film Processing, retiring in 2005. Jim was married to Sheila Rabe and four children were born of this union. Survivors include his ex-wife Sheila Pester of New Hampton, Iowa, his children; Brett Pester of New Hampton, Kerri (Scott) Tuschel of Mishicot, Wisconsin, Paula (Danny) Elenz, of Sioux City, Iowa and Corey (Carla) Pester of Monoa, Iowa, his brother John Pester of Oldham, South Dakota, and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his significant other of the past fifteen years, Kathy Kippe and her children; Angela Troutner, Matthew Kippe, Jennifer (Jason) Matteson and Jessica Kippe. Surviving grandchildren include Victoria and Scott Tuschel, Jared and Gage Elenz, Carsten and Cayden Pester and adopted grandchildren Leo Kippe Burton and Reese Troutner. Preceding him in death were his parents and a grandson Jeremy Elenz. Jim enjoyed his grandchildren, loved visiting, was a strong Vikings fan, cribbage, oldies music, traveling and nature. He had a big heart and great sense of humor. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Foundations in his name.