Carolynn Dayle Koester of Killdeer, SK passed away in Assiniboia, SK on December 30, 2024 at the age of 77. Carolynn was born on January 31, 1947 to Clarence and Charlotte (Barnett) Furhman in Glasgow, Montana; she was the second child in a family of six. Carolynn grew up on the family farm and graduated from Opheim High School in 1965. After Carolynn graduated from high school, she attended college in Missoula, Montana. She was well known in the Opheim community for her musical abilities, especially her piano and organ playing.
Carolynn married John Soper in 1966; they had two children, son, Wesley Dale and daughter, Elaine Carol. Carolynn and John were later divorced.
While working at Gordon’s Food, a handsome Canadian Farmer asked her out on a date. She said yes. On July 5th, 1986, Carolynn married the love of her life, Ellis Koester, and moved with him to his farm near Killdeer, SK. She helped raise his two sons, Merlin Ellis and Kent Loren. She loved them as if they were her own. Carolynn helped Ellis with the farming, cattle, chickens, pigs, llamas, dogs, cats, and most of all, her favorite - the sheep. During this time, Carolynn also worked with home care.
Carolynn and Ellis were very active in the Killdeer community. They were dedicated to the Killdeer Hall (both old and new) and were involved with the Sheep Exhibition held in Assiniboia. In her ‘spare’ time, she grew a huge garden, baked homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and other goodies and she was a pro at homemade sauerkraut. She had her mother’s kraut crock and cutter. Carolynn’s grandchildren spent many hours with her and Ellis at the farm, enjoying the life that their Grandparents loved.
In the last few years, as Carolynn’s physical and mental strength were failing, the strength of her love for family and friends never failed.
Carolynn is survived by her loving husband, Ellis, daughter Elaine (Kelly), son Merlin (Renee), daughter-in-law Jamie, sister Kathleen, brothers Roger (Linda), Brian (Deneen), Miles (Karen), sisters-in-law Pat Fuhrman, Shannon (David) Yates, grandchildren Dylan (Tiffany), Kalynn, Trey, Trevyn, Kole, Rylee, Brandon, Tyson, Dillon, Payton, great-grandchildren Elliott, Luna, Ellanore, Emmett, Xavier, Xia and numerous relatives (she was a Fuhrman with over 50 Fuhrman cousins) and good friends.
Carolynn was predeceased by her mother and father, Charlotte and Clarence, brother Robert, son Kent, son Wesley, Ellis’s parents Merle and Ivan, brothers-in-law Dennis and Trevor, and sister-in-law, Ivanne.
Ellis, Elaine and Merlin would like to send a special Thank You to the Assiniboia Union Hospital Integrated Facility – Long Term Care and all their caring staff. The care that was provided to their wife and mother was beyond amazing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Killdeer Community Hall, Killdeer, SK or to the Assiniboia Auxiliary for Long Term Care, Assiniboia, SK.
Funeral Service was held Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Killdeer Community Hall with facilitator Gary K. Miller, scripture and prayers by Roger Fuhrman, tribute by Brian Fuhrman, family powerpoint presentation. Honorary Pallbearers: All friends and family - near and far; Acting Pallbearers: Brenda Disney, Carol Allingham, Debbie Pituley, Erin Keller, Jackie Wolfe, Linda Bender, Starla Chesney, Thelma Salaba. Interment at Highland Cemetery, Glasgow, MT, Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Pallbearers: Carolynn’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Koester family may be shared at . Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK
