Surrounded by the love of his family, Lucas William Koester, Ph.D peacefully went home to our Lord and Savior on March 16, 2022, at Mary Greely Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.
Dr. Lucas W. Koester was born on September 6, 1983, in Harlingen, Texas. Lucas was the son of Larry and Judith (Kiefer) Koester. He grew up in Raymondville, Texas, where he graduated from the Science Academy of South Texas in 2002, obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas Pan American (UTRGV) in 2006, Master of Science in Engineering Mechanical Concentration from the University of Texas Pan American in 2008, and in 2013 he was awarded his Doctorate from the University of Nebraska in Philosophy. Dr. Lucas Koester took on a research position as a scientist at Iowa State University where he was respected and admired by friends and colleagues.
Lucas' talents and accomplishments were many and included his research and his love of science. He enjoyed fishing trips, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. His sense of humor was a delight for those in his company and he was respected for his calm, kind demeanor. He was always there for anyone who needed him without any expectations of anything in return. He was always ready for whatever life had to offer and never complained. He was a wonderful son, brother, friend, and man. He will be dearly missed and forever held in our hearts. However, this is not a goodbye, just a see you later.
As John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
Lucas was survived by his mother, Judith Soendker of Raymondville, TX; his father, Larry (Maria) Koester of Troy, TX; step-father, Bryant Soendker; two brothers, Jeremy (Lisa) Koester of Mission, TX, and Jacob Soendker of Ames, IA; step-brother, Jose (Beronica) Silva of Andrews, TX; two sisters, Carly (AJ) Guerrero of Edinburg, TX, Angela Koester Robertson of Sherman, TX; nieces and nephews, Nicolas, Sophia, Brianna, Isabell, Lillyanna, Collin, and Evelyn; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Trevor Allen Wolfe.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 181 E. Wood Avenue, Raymondville, Texas.
Honorary pallbearers for Lucas are Jeremy Koester, Jacob Soendker, Nicholas Chapa-Koester, Arnold (AJ) Guerrero, Will Cornwell, Charles Cornwell, Houston Van Nest, Garett Wagner, Dr. Joseph Turner, Dr. Robert Jones, Dr. Constatine Tarawneh, and Dr. Reza Zoughi.
Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Lucas and his family.
Two months.... it has already been two months, and it is still hard to believe you are not with us here on Earth. You are remembered as a funny, kind, extremely intelligent, great NDE scientist, giving, hard working young man. I miss your smile and your dry, but extremely funny, sense of humor, and the way you were always willingness to help out. You are missed every day. I consider myself extremely lucky to have known you over the past seven years. Thank you Judee and family for sharing Lucas with us at CNDE and Iowa State University. God bless you. Rest in peace Lucas.
Dear Larry, Judee, and extended clan,
God knows your grief. He, too, lost a Son He loved very much; and it is because God's Son Jesus died and rose again that Lucas lives. You will see him again, vibrantly alive with his Savior on the great Easter yet to come. Until then, you are in our prayers.
With love in Christ,
Walt and Becky Pohland
I knew Lucas for less than three years, and came to know him as a quiet, thoughtful and bright scientist and a kind-hearted person. It deeply saddens me to see him leave us. Myself and everyone who knew him attests to the fact that Lucas touched their lives and left a great impressions. I was fortunate to know and work with Lucas and will always remember him. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Lucas. R. Zoughi
I am shocked and saddened by Lucas's death. He came to ISU as my post-doc and he then became a professional researcher in CNDE. He became a friend and a colleague as he grew in his career. He was bright, capable and in his unique and quiet way did excellent research. He added value to every project where he engaged. There are no words adequate to express my shock at his passing. I will miss him - Lucas RIP - you passed far, far too young.
Lucas was one of my first graduate students at UTPA. He was one of the best students I have ever worked with. Professional, polite, humble, and always smiling. I arranged for him to go to Nebraska (my alma mater) to work with my mentor and pursue his PhD. I was always so proud of him and what he has accomplished. He was loved by everyone he worked with and everyone had nothing but wonderful things to say about Lucas. This news shocked me to my core. I cannot believe that Lucas is no longer with us. I always remember him for the wonderful and loving person he was. I was blessed to have him as student and friend. Rest In Peace my friend.
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague. I am so fortunate to have worked with Lucas on several projects and topics at ISU, always appreciating his insightful comments, broad interests and intellect. I will miss most Lucas' easy humor and his calm manner. Know that my thoughts are with you and your family, Lucas. Farewell, my friend.
danb
Service
Raymondville, TX, United States 78580