Francis Kosters
December 12, 1924 ~ November 27, 2012
Francis Kosters, age 87 of New Hampton, IA, formerly of Sioux Center, IA passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Center. Francis Allen Kosters was born in Sioux Center, IA on December 12, 1924 to John William and Johanna (Riemersma) Kosters. He lived his whole life in Sioux Center, graduating from Sioux Center High School in 1942 and attending Northwestern College, in Orange City, IA. Francis married his high school sweet heart, Edith Jean Meengs on September 15, 1944. They began their married life in Sioux City, IA, where he worked for Montgomery Ward and Sears Roebuck. They also lived and worked on his Dad’s farms near Ireton, before moving to Sioux Center. For eight years Francis was a traveling salesman and supervisor for J.R. Watkins in the late 1940’s into the early 1950’s. He worked for Ron’s Motor Company before he bought out Den Beste’s Department Store in Sioux Center. With his wife, Jean, they owned and operated Koster’s Department Store, Later named Kosters Floor and Wall Covering for 47 years. They also ran a small store in Ireton as well. Francis is survived by his wife of 68 years, Edith Jean Kosters of New Hampton, IA; his two sons, Allen and wife Nancy Kosters of Sioux Falls, SD; Bill and wife Joan Kosters of Cresco, IA; two daughters Rachel and husband Karl Fliris of New Hampton; Ruth and husband Eugene Wells of Statesville, NC. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Scott and wife Carrie Kosters, Murrieta, CA; Jay and wife Megan Kosters, Sious Falls, SD; Bruce and wife Jessica Kosters, Lakewood, CO; Michael and wife Julie Williams, Stillwater, MN; Ann Wiliams, MN; Kim and husband Chris Grimm, Rochester, MN; Katie and husband Jason Johnson, Austin, MN; Gretchen and husband Chip Timm, Plano, IL; Rebecca and husband Mic Shekleton, New Hampton, IA; Alison and husband Dan Higgins, Minneapolis, NV; Vanessa Wells, Atlanta, GA; Lauren and husband Todd Parsons, New Port, RI; fourteen great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter-in-law, Donna Kosters, two brothers: Henry and his wife Priscilla Kosters, John and wife Cornelia Kosters, and two sisters: Sarah Kosters, Eileen and husband Lyle Stange.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at Sioux Center Cemetery Memory Gardens in Sioux Center, IA.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton with a 5:30pm Prayer Service. Visitation will continue at the church in Sioux Center one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, November 30, 2012 at Central Reform Church in Sioux Center, IA with Pastor Van Rathbun officiating.
Memorials may be directed to Francis's family.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing, Rachel. Our prayers and sympathy to your family. Love, Joanne and Richard
Rachel and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed & Sandy Shekleton
Rachel, we were sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You were so devoted to your parents. Sending our love and deepest sympathy to you and all of your family. God bless.
~ Kathy and George
Al,
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I know how very tough it is to lose your parent. I hope the good and loving memories ease your way through this tough time.
Our deepest sympathy to the Kosters family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Lopez Family
To the Koster’s Family,
So sorry to hear of Francis passing. He was a terrific freind to my father Norman and they enjoyed their retirement years playing many rounds of golf together at Sandy Hollow. It was fun being with the two of them. Please accept our sympathies and thoughts at this moment.
We express our sympathy to you. I worked at First National Bank in Sioux Center and always enjoyed having you and Francis join us in our activities. I remember we looked for a certain golf ball for him on one of the trips..
Caring and remembering you in prayer,
Joleen
To Rachel and Karl, Gretchen and Rebecca, along with their families, and the *entire* Kosters family, my deepest sympathies to all of you.
Dear Mrs. Kosters,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. I know that after a 68 year marriage there will be a big hole in your heart. You are so lucky to have Rachel & familly so near to care for you now more than ever.
I remember when I was in High School all the wonderful times we had talking & joking over popcorn. Good times! God bless you!
With sympathy, Mary