Toledo Speedway

TOLEDO OH (11-18-08)--Richard C. Koester, who with his brother Herb, built and paved Toledo Speedway in the early 1960s, died Saturday Nov. 15 at the age of 82.

Richard and Herb founded Monroe Asphalt Paving Co. in 1953 and he worked there until his retirement in 1988, although he stayed busy in retirement. "Uncle Richard" continued to perform grading and earthmoving work at the Speedway as recently as last summer, and Herb's sons Dave and Joey Koester continue to operate Monroe Asphalt Paving Co. in performing grading and paving work at Toledo Speedway on an ongoing basis.

Born September 9, 1926, Richard was the son of Robert and Minnie (Schacht) Koester. He married Virginia Wilczynski October 7, 1950. He is survived by his wife; sons Mark (Judy) Koester of Luna Pier and Rick Koester of Monroe; daughter Cindy (Mike) Bricker of Chesapeake Virginia; brother Melvin Koester and sister Margaret Stark both of Florida; and three grandchildren.