John Joseph Kester

John Kester passed away on March 27, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Not to be defined by those diseases, John will be remembered with love as a husband, father, brother and brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. 

John was born in St. Louis and was raised by his mother, Mae Justin. From a young age, John felt most at home in the Colorado high country. John and his wife, Susie, lived in many Colorado towns, but made the village of Twin Lakes their home for 17 years where they enjoyed a wonderful community of friends. He was an avid hiker, explorer of back roads, map fanatic, western history buff, and the best host to family and friends on their mountain vacations. 

John taught his kids, Jessica, Josh, and Jill, to work hard and keep up with the news, to keep a stocked toolbox for whatever repair might come up, to always carry extra water, a first aid kit, and bear spray on a hike and to pick up any trash found on the trail, to say please and thank you, and, most importantly, to look out for your loved ones. 

John studied physics at Colorado College and Washington University in St. Louis. He was incredibly smart and clever, amassing 14 patents for various inventions during his career. 

John leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Susie, his children Jessica Josh, and Jill, son-in-laws Steve and Les, his sister Mary, many brother- and sister-in laws, many nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of great friends. We will remember him when the peaks are covered with snow, when the Aspen trees turn golden, when spring wildflowers bloom, and every time we hike the next mile. 

John’s family extends their thanks to his caregivers in Silverthorne and Littleton, as well as our family and friends, who have shared their love and kindness with us.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org)

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.