EDWARD L. KESTER
Edward LeRoy Kester, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 11 in Kearney at 87 years. He was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma on June 8, 1938, to Dr. Howard and Louise (Mayo) Kester. The family lived in several more states as Howard served the government as a federal veterinarian, including Arkansas, Illinois, and Maryland. When Ed was in first grade, they moved to a farm north of Cambridge. Ed attended Orafino Country School from first through eighth grades. He then attended Cambridge High School, graduating in 1957. During high school Ed was active in football and track.
On June 2, 1957, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jean Beals, in the United Brethren Church at Orafi no. Over the next five years they lived where Ed was pursuing his education, first in Manhattan, KS, then McCook, followed by Kearney.
Ed had a very successful track and field career at McCook Jr. College and Kearney State College, including placing multiple times in national meets. Ed graduated from Kearney State with a bachelors degree in education.
The family moved to the farm north of Cambridge, where they lived for over 20 years. They then moved to Cambridge, where they lived for about 40 years as they continued to farm and raise cattle. They had four sons, Keith, Ken, Cliff, and Cordy. Ed was a very devoted husband and father. Ed was also a very successful farmer.
He began by farming his father’s land. Ed later took over the operation and continued to oversee the farm’s improvement with irrigation, and growth in purchasing more land. In later years Ed rented his land, but he continued to farm parts of it himself into his 80s.
Ed, Marilyn, and Cordy were dedicated fans of Cambridge athletics. In 2023 Ed and Marilyn received Distinguished Alumni Awards from Cambridge Public Schools. Ed’s beloved wife, Marilyn, passed away on March 18, 2024, after more than 66 years of marriage. Ed later found love and companionship with Marjorie (Danfield) Kester. They were married on September 22, 2024. Ed and Marge continued to live in Cambridge, moving to a new home in July, 2025.
Ed was beloved by his immediate family, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Ed was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, parents Howard Sr. and Louise Kester, stepmother Valentine (Rankin) Kester, brother Larry, and sister Lana.
He is survived by his wife Marge; sons Keith, Ken (Meg), Cliff (Karen), and Cordy; grandchildren Jake Kester, Jed Kester (Jordan), Molly Clinkscales, Liz Gallardo (Guillermo); Kelsey Kester (Elaine), Kit Kester (Liz), Anthony Hopkins, Delaine Kester (Kaylee), and Kamie Townsen (Dean); great grandchildren Sam Kester, Avery and Kaden Kester, Madisyn and Kobe Kester; Paisyn and Jade Townsen; brother Howard Jr. (Valaine); and Marge’s family of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and siblings.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Lockenour-Jones Mortuaty in Cambridge.
Funeral services were scheduled for 10:30 AM on Wednesday Morning, February 18, 2026 at the Cambridge High School.
Graveside services were scheduled for 1:00 PM on Wednesday in the Arbor Cemetery in Stockville, Nebraska. A meal followed hosted by the Stockville Women’s Club at the Frontier County Fairgrounds in Stockville.
Memorials in Ed’s name are suggested to the Stockville Women’s Club, the Cambridge Senior Center, or to Special Olympics Nebraska.
Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.
