Russell Koster

Russell Koster, age 96, of Sterling, passed away peacefully at his home on November 22nd, 2022. Russell was born April 25,1926 in Sterling, Illinois to the late Theodore and Martha (Wessels) Koster. Russell is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Peggy (Dail) Koster; devoted sons, Daniel (Elizabeth) Koster of Sterling and Douglas (Kelly) Koster of Aurora, Illinois; cherished grandchildren, Kristen (David) Martin, Amy (Kurt) Downs, Ted Koster, Kyle (Bailey) Koster, Kelsey (Matt Fehrmann) Koster, and Kara (Steven) Kolenda; the blessing of twelve great-grandchildren; loving brother, Merrill (Betty) Koster of Washington and brother-in-law, Robert Dail, of Minnesota; along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Martha (Wessels) Koster and brother, Wesley Koster. Russell grew up in Sterling where he attended Hopewell Elementary and graduated from Sterling Township High School in 1943. He was a proud World War II veteran, having served in the US Army from 1945-1947. He graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign in 1951, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. He became a lifetime farmer. Russell devoted his time to developing the youth in the community as education was extremely important to him. He was thankful to serve on the Jordan Elementary School Board, Sterling High School Board, as well as the Unit 5 board. He further served his community as Jordan Township Supervisor, County Board member, precinct committeeman, Whiteside County Republican Chairman and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention of 1996. He attended church at St. Paul Lutheran, serving as a Sunday School teacher and council member for many years. Russell had many hobbies. He enjoyed attending auction sales where he collected cast-iron seats, Sterling memorabilia, as well as many other historical items of the past. With a love for aviation, he received his pilot’s license from the airport north of Sterling at a young age. In his later years, Russell had the honor of flying to England aboard the Concord, on its historical final flight. Family and friendships were very important to Russell. Together with his wife, Peg, they loved sharing their home and celebrating with friends and loved ones. Throughout their lifetime, they had the pleasure and opportunity to host many foreign guests and exchange students while building lasting relationships, visiting some of them abroad as well. At the family’s request, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Russell and Margaret Koster Agriculture Scholarship. Scholarship donations can be sent to Sterling/Rock Falls Community Trust Koster Ag Scholarship Midland States Bank, 302 1st Ave, Sterling IL 61081. Memorial services will be 11 AM Thursday December 1, 2022 at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. Visitation will start at 10AM one hour prior to the Memorial service at Church. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com Sterling, Illinois

April 25, 1926 - November 22, 2022

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Russell Koster

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Gregory Koster

December 13, 2022

With nearly a century of life to select from, there should be plenty of memories of Russ to select. Here goes:
Start with the 1975 visit where I stayed with Russ and family for a month in the summer. I remember that summer because it was when Jimmy Hoffa disappeared. I ... Continue Reading

James hergott

November 30, 2022

A candle was posted for Russell Koster.

Your Ag Farmacy Family

November 30, 2022

With heartfelt condolences,

In Our Thoughts was purchased for the family of Russell Koster.

Merrill & Betty Koster

November 29, 2022

Dear Peg, Dan, Doug and all of your families.
At our age, we have lived, loved and lost many of our immediate family, but losing a brother and brother-in-law like Russell is in a category all by itself.
The Koster brothers grew up together working on the family farm.
... Continue Reading

Mike and Rhonda Miller

November 29, 2022

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Russell. He was a dedicated farmer, even in his later years. We remember him driving his car around our house on the farm lots, checking out how the corn was doing. He was always friendly and caring to us. We will miss him.

Christine Severson

November 28, 2022

I was honored to have Russell as my escort when I married in 1997, as my dad (Arthur Koster) was ill. At the time he said walking a bride down the aisle was something he'd never thought he'd do, and he seemed tickled that I asked.

My sincere condolences to Peggy, Dan, D... Continue Reading

Tettens Grain

November 28, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. Russ will be missed for sure!

Florist’s Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Russell Koster.

Leola Woodworth

November 27, 2022

Lit a candle in memory of Russell Koster

A candle was posted for Russell Koster.

Bud Thompson

November 26, 2022

To Peg,
We are very sorry for your loss.
He was a good person.
Shirley & Bud

Jack Schrauth

November 26, 2022

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Koster, Dan, Doug and all the family. Your Dad was a really cool guy and I always enjoyed his company and stories. You were truly blessed to have such a man in your lives.

Russell Koster

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