Rev. Edward Clark Koteskey, lovingly known as Pastor Ed, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and entered into the loving arms of Jesus, at the age of 72. Ed was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Donald E. and Eleanor (Bradley) Koteskey.
Ed pursued his calling early in life, earning a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He later obtained a second master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
Ed met and married Debbie Litsey, and together they shared a devoted partnership in both life and ministry. Over the course of 35 years, Pastor Ed faithfully pastored five Church of the Nazarene congregations across Michigan, North Carolina, and Montana, answering the call wherever the Lord sent him. He was known not only for his love of people, but for his true compassion and genuine care for those around him. Ed was famous for his warm hugs, his perpetual smile, and a great sense of humor that brought comfort and joy to many. He regularly visited those who were homebound, hospitalized, or residing in nursing homes, and made it a priority to remain personally connected to the lives of those he served.
Outside of ministry, Ed had a deep love for the outdoors. He especially enjoyed hiking in Glacier National Park, fishing, and spending time camping and hunting with his brother and other family members. He also found joy in working outside in the yard, taking pride in caring for his surroundings. For many years, these shared outdoor moments and simple labors created meaningful memories rooted in laughter, faith, and time spent together in nature.
Ed also found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved going out to eat, sharing meals filled with conversation and laughter, and traveling to many places, always eager to explore and experience something new. Above all, Ed cherished time spent with his family. He and Debbie deeply loved Scott and Katie, and nothing brought them greater happiness than being with their grandsons, Jaxson and Greyson, whose lives they followed with pride, affection, and unwavering love.
In 2019, Ed and Debbie moved from Kalispell, Montana, to Citrus Springs, Florida, where they became active members of the Hernando Church of the Nazarene.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Eleanor Koteskey; his sister, Diane Koteskey; and his brother, Don Koteskey.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 47 years, Debbie Koteskey, of Citrus Springs; his son, Scott Koteskey (Katie), of Kalispell, Montana; his two grandsons, Jaxson and Greyson Koteskey; and other extended family members who loved him dearly.
Those who wish to honor Pastor Ed’s memory may make memorial contributions to Hernando Church of the Nazarene in Hernando, Florida, or to Kalispell First Church of the Nazarene in Kalispell, Montana.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Montana. Arrangements are under the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.
12 Comments
I always loved hearing Pastor Ed say that there is no better place to be than safe in the hands of God. Now he is completely and wonderfully held in God’s hands! The Bentley and Brearey families love the entire Koteskey family. Our lives have been deeply blessed by each of you.
Thanks Carolyn! Our family has so many good memories with all of you! We so appreciate your prayers and we keep you in our thoughts and prayers as well! We love you all!
We’ll miss you, good friend.
I always loved running into you guys in town. Even though we went to different church, I always enjoyed knowing you both. Ed was always smiling. God has His own timing, although it’s hard on those left behind. But just knowing the small things we can only imagine heaven is like , Ed is now experiencing the Glory in person. What A day that will be when we all see Jesus. Our thoughts and prayers are continually with you all. Hugs too.
It was good to see you around town, Jody! Thanks so much for your prayers! ❤️
He thought a lot of you both and called you his “other brother Bill.”
Pastor Ed was a great spiritual leader in my life. He helped me as an awkward little boy at boys camp and made me feel important. Years later he became my pastor and mentor at Clyde Park. He and Debbie mean the world to my whole family. He will be missed dearly. Love to all of you!
He really loved your family and we have so many great memories with you all. Our last great memory was when your family came to Kalispell and we had such fun together!
I am sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. He never missed a Sunday greeting me and my parents in church, with a hand shake a smile and genuine concern.
Thanks Kathy! Ed was glad to know your family!
I am saddened to hear of Ed‘s passing. But so joyful to know that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus! I knew Ed in high school and he was the most humble, sweet, kind person! Even back then!! I loved his parents Don and Eleanor and our youth group was very close knit. Ed touched all of our lives back then, and when God touched his life, he multiplied the joy of serving others to everyone he met! I am praying for you, Debbie and the rest of your family., for the Lord‘s comfort to be with you in the coming days, weeks, and months of being without him in physical form. He will always be with you in spirit!
Thanks so much for your prayers! Ed had a lot of good memories from being in the youth group. He made some close friends! It was good to be with you at different times Debbi during recent years!
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