Arlen O. Kuester

Arlen O. Kuester, 90, of Waterloo, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 23, 2023, at Dammert Care Center in Belleville, IL. Arlen was born on September 4, 1932, in Morrison, MO to Herman and Hilda (Schollmeyer) Kuester and they precede him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Georgia (Tripp) Kuester whom he married on December 23, 1961, in Overland, MO and his sister Laverne Brinkmann.

Arlen grew up on a farm in Morrison, MO and learned the electrical and mechanical trades from his uncles while working on the family farm. He then began a distinguished career serving his country in the United States Air Force, entering active duty on May 15, 1952, serving through the Korean War and was honorably discharged on May 14, 1956. He was recalled to active duty on October 28, 1962-November 28, 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then entered the USAF Active Reserves where he would remain until January 1, 1990. He worked in civil service positions at Scott Air Force Base until his retirement in November 1993.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the Lottery, building and flying radio-controlled airplanes and had a lifelong love of travel. Arlen was a shy person, but once you got to know him, he had a great sense of humor. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and dear friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Arlina Kuester, Vicky (David) Ehlers and Cara (Jeff) Barrows; his brother Don (Linda) Kuester; his grandchildren Nathaniel (Alisha) Ehlers and Tyler Ehlers and his great-grandchildren Natalie Ehlers, Benjamin Ehlers and Lucas Ehlers in addition to many nieces and nephews, extended family and beloved friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday August 31, 2023 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Hoffen Funeral Home 220 W. Washington St., Millstadt, IL 62260, funeral service will follow at 12:00pm. Arlen will be laid to rest with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Helping Strays of Monroe County, 4221 Hanover Rd., Columbia, IL 62236.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.