Bruce S. Kester

PONTIAC—Bruce S. Kester, 90, of Pontiac, IL, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at Aperion Care in Wilmington. Born Feb. 3, 1936, in White Haven, PA, Bruce was the son of Gilbert and Amanda E. (née Wagner) Kester.
On Feb. 15, 1958, Bruce married Flora Smith in California. Together, they shared 68 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories. Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from July 1954 until his honorable discharge in April 1958. During his nearly four years of active-duty service, he served as a Still Photographer, using his skills in photography in support of Air Force operations. He was stationed with the 3535th Air Base Group at Mather Air Force Base in California and attained the rank of Airman First Class. In recognition of his honorable and dedicated service, Bruce was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Throughout his career, Bruce worked as a project manager for several chemical companies. He was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed the works of John Grisham and Tom Clancy. Bruce was of the Presbyterian faith.
Surviving are his wife, Flora Kester; five children: Sherry (Robert) Kontes, of Idaho Falls, ID; Brian (Trenna) Kester, of Idaho Falls, ID; Aaron (Corinne Ptacek) Kester, of Roselle, IL; Amanda (Jim) Passafiume, of Channahon and Sidney (Jennifer Williams) Kester, of Mazon; nine grandchildren: Deanna Riggs, Brayden (Marie) Passafiume, Quintin Kester, Joshua Passafiume, Ema Kester, Sean Reavley, Kevin Reavley, Kaitlyn Mainard, and Makenzi Williams and two great-grandchildren, Reese Stukel and Brooklyn Stukel; and one brother, Carl (Alice) Kester, of Florida.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Amanda Kester and five siblings: Clayton Kester, Berle Kester, Janet Snyder, Gilbert Kester, and Raymond Kester.
In accordance with Bruce's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory in Braidwood.
To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Bruce's online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes. com or find them on Facebook.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.