Mr. Jack E. Kester

Jack E. Kester, 90, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2020. He was the loving and devoted husband of JoAnn L. Kester (Redmond) for 70 years. Jack was the youngest of four children to the late Charles Waldo and Ellen (Ahrns) Kester and raised in West Alexandria and Dayton, OH. He and his wife, JoAnn, met at the University of Dayton (UD) and married on August 5, 1950. Mr. and Mrs. Kester were blessed with three children: Jeffrey, Julie, and Jennifer; and raised their family in Kettering, OH. Jack had a passion for mathematics and learning. His higher education included an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from UD, and a master’s degree in Physics from The Ohio State University. Jack’s career included a position in UD’s Research Institute, a college professor and chairperson of UD’s Computer Science Department. In 1961, Jack, along with his family, relocated to Sunnyvale, CA to pursue a doctorate degree from Stanford University, while working at Lockheed Martin. In 1965, the family returned to Kettering, OH to be closer to family and friends, spending the remainder of his career at UD. After his retirement in 1992, Jack and Jo discovered the warmth of sunny southwest Florida and became permanent Floridians in 1998. Jack was an active member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Jack was a humble man, incredibly intelligent, physically active, and enjoyed socializing with people. He had many passions throughout his life including fishing, boating, playing bridge, running, and riding his “tricycle” (even the day before he broke his hip at age 90). He was always true to his faith, carrying his Catholic ideals with him wherever his travels brought him. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with family and friends and is best remembered for his cheerful and gregarious persona. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, JoAnn Kester (Redmond), their 3 children: Jeffrey Kester, Julie D’Amico (Ernie), Jennifer Puyenbroek (David); 6 grandchildren: Jackie (Gary), Anthony (Nicole), Nicholas (Stephanie), Robert (Charity), Jason, and Abbey (Ryan); 9 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Cassie, Max, Mia, Milo, Devon, Joseph, Julian, and Sienna. Jack was preceded in death by his late siblings: Waldo Kester, Clifford Kester, and Patricia DeMarey; daughter-in-law Cheryl Kester; and great-grandchild Samantha Smith. A Visitation with family and friends to be held on Wednesday, August 12th, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home located at 28300 S. Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial is to be held on Thursday, August 13th, at 10:00am in St. Leo the Great Catholic Church located at 28300 Beaumont Rd. in Bonita Springs, FL. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated since 1978.

Mr. Jack E. Kester

October 4, 1929 - August 8, 2020