Lucille Margaret Koesterer

Lucille was born in East St. Louis, IL to Ellen Detchmendy Mann and Andrew Mann. She and Ralph were married for 58 years and had five children: Ellen Guthrie, Albert Koesterer (Hali Flintrop), Marilyn Scherrer (Fred Scherrer), Sally Koesterer and Ronie Pearlman (Richard Pearlman) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is remembered as funny and kind by many nieces, nephews and her kids’ friends.

Lucille was born during the Great Depression and lived through WWII. She remembered wondering what it meant to be at war. Lucille graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in 1949 and from Drury College in 1953. Lucille was 61 hours into her Master’s degree when she quit to care for her mother. She was a Thespian and active in the choir. A favorite memory was singing for Rodgers and Hammerstein when they visited the college. A lifelong reader, Lucille said books were her companions growing up. She wished she’d had a father, but he died when she was 2. She was often alone while her momma worked, so she developed a vivid imagination (which later made her an excellent playmate for her grandchildren). Lucille enjoyed speech competitions in high school because they went with the boy’s schools. She taught school in East St. Louis and marched in the picket lines for teachers’ rights. Lucille felt lucky to stay home and raise her children. She was a lifelong Catholic and spent many hours in service to the church.

Lucille’s door and table were always open to her children’s friends and family. She always had time to listen and food to feed you. She was funny, easygoing and judged no one. All were welcome. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to The Little Sisters of the Poor, or to help the 2025 St. Louis Tornado Victims. Please see the links below to donate online.

Memorial mass: Friday, June 13, 2025, 11:00 am, Christ the King, 7316 Balson Ave., University City, MO. Everyone is encouraged to wear Lilly Pulitzer (mom’s fav dresses) or bright colors!