Vernon H. Koester, 90, of Red Bud, passed away on Jan. 3, 2026, at Red Bud Regional Hospital in Red Bud. The visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud and from 9-10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Winkelman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.