Charles S. Kuestersteffen

Charles Sylvester Kuestersteffen, 90, passed away June 7, 2025 after a short illness. Born in Iola, Kansas to Gerhard and Margaret (Kreimer) Kuestersteffen, Charles grew up on the family farm that was homesteaded by his grandparents in Piqua, KS. He was one of 12 siblings, three of whom died in infancy. He graduated from Iola high school in 1952.

A proud Army Veteran, Charles was honored to serve as a member of the National Honor Guard 3rd Infantry, at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. He enjoyed sharing stories and photos of his service including, marching in Eisenhower’s inaugural parade and participating in many memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery.

Charles married Sheila Brady on September 5, 1959. They raised five children in rural Olathe and Wellsville, KS. They later returned to Olathe to enjoy their retirement years. Together they celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Charles had a long career with Proctor and Gamble, retiring after 35 years in 1993. In his spare time, he liked to keep busy with home projects and tending the garden filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables. He was especially proud of his impressive pumpkins, watermelons, and tomatoes.

Charles is survived by his children Gary Kuestersteffen, Lynn (Jerry) Traylor, Mary (Greg) Campbell, Bob (Sue) Kuestersteffen, and Andy (Amy) Kuestersteffen; fourteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Emmett Brady and his wife Shirley, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila, his parents and eleven siblings.

The family will receive guests for visitation from 1:00-2:00pm on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel, with a memorial service following at 2:00pm.

To leave a special message for his family or to share a memory of Charles, please visit the guestbook below.