Gerald A. “Buz” Kesterson, age 87, entered into rest on December 8, 2015 at his home in Prosser. He was born on August 27, 1928 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Henry Alfred and Vera Hassel (Sago) Kesterson. In 1944 the family moved to Prosser where he graduated from Prosser High School with the class of 46. Following graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and served during World War II. After his discharge he worked at Hanford as a millwright and then at Pendleton Auto Parts. In 1950 he re-enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War until 1952. He then returned to Prosser and worked at Valley Auto Parts and retired from the Sunnyside store in 2011.
In 1953, Buz and Jean Teagarden were married in Kirkland, Washington. In 1971, Buz and Lois Miles were married in Coeur d’Alene and the couple enjoyed 35 years together before she passed away in 2006.
Buz was an exercise fanatic, walking three to five miles a day, and enjoyed playing tennis and bowling. He also enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards and sharing a cup of coffee at the Café Villa. He traveled extensively, including trips to New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France and Australia.
Buz is survived by his daughters, Vicki Wherry and husband, Jeff of Manchester, New Hampshire, Cohen Fincher and husband, David of Tucson, Arizona and Paula Ward and husband, Glen of Prosser, and Cindi Miller of Longview, Washington; his son, John Miles of Yakima; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Joy Pierpont and JoAnn Knott; and infant daughter, JoEllen Kesterson.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Prosser Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 12 at the Prosser Nazarene Church. A Graveside Service, with Full Military Honors, will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, December 14 at the Prosser Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Hospital in Seattle. You may leave an online message of condolence for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com