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