William Kosten

With his warm and inviting personality, William Kosten had a way of drawing others in. He was a loving husband and a dedicated father who considered his family to be his greatest treasure. In fact, it seemed that when he became a grandfather, Bill really came to life as his grandchildren were everything to him. Bill worked hard throughout his life, yet he did so in order to give to others as he was abundantly generous with both his time and money. With his faith as his constant companion, Bill’s life was a reflection of the Christian beliefs that were engraved upon his heart. Although life was not without hardship for Bill, he was a man of integrity, compassion, and enduring strength.

Life in America was anything but easy during the 1930s as the Great Depression blanketed our nation like an unrelenting storm. Conditions were worse in farming areas where commodity prices plunged, and also in mining and logging areas where unemployment was high and there were few other jobs. This was a significant time in the family of William and Jeanette (Dykstra) Kosten as they welcomed the birth of their son, William Henry, on July 28, 1931. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, William was one of three boys in his family including his brothers James and Emery. During a time when Grand Rapids was known as “Furniture City” because it was recognized as the premiere furniture manufacturing city in the United States, Bill’s father worked in this industry for both Bergsma Brothers and Imperial Furniture. With three active boys, his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Bill attended local schools including East Leonard School and Creston High School where he was on the golf team and played coronet in the marching band.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Bill went on to Michigan State University for one year. He then transferred to Ferris State, graduating with a degree in printing management. Bill honorably served in the Coast Guard from 1951 through 1954. He was a member of the Coast Guard Marching Band and served both off the Jersey Shore also on a weather ship in the Atlantic, experiencing several hurricanes firsthand.

God brought Bill’s true love into his life when he was in kindergarten. Her name was Mary Lynham and they attended school together through the 12th grade. By the time he was 12 years old, Bill was truly smitten with her. As this love struck young man watched her leave the soda fountain at the local drugstore one day, he said matter-of-factly, “I’m going to marry her someday.” Well, he was right. Bill and Mary became husband and wife on May 24, 1951, at Berean Baptist Church, which they both called their home church at the time.

Their lives together began in an upstairs apartment belonging the Dykstra family where many young family members began their lives. They later moved to a home on Fremont near Richmond Park where they raised their three children: Tom, Douglas, and John. Bill supported his family at Grand Rapids Label, first as an estimator and later as a purchasing agent. His career path later took him to Label Tape Inc. where he worked as a salesman until he retired in 1993. Bill and his family later moved to a home on Lenora NW where they remained for 25 years. They then moved to a West Side condo where they lived for 17 years before moving to Breton Manor in 2009

Throughout his life, there were many interests that Bill pursued. His faith was an important facet of his life, and he was a member of Trinity Reformed Church for over 50 years where he served as a deacon. Bill was a member of the Grand Rapids Craftsman’s Club, a printing fraternity for many years. As a boy, Bill often sat on the pier and watched the boats go by, instilling within himself a lifelong dream. It was during one of those warm summer days that he promised himself that one day he would own one of those boats. Bill started out with a small one and eventually owned a 37-foot Silverton. They loved spending time on the boat for many years. Bill knew his way around the kitchen, too, and could whip up some tasty soup or chili during the colder months and cooking breakfast on Saturday mornings was a family tradition.

Retirement provided Bill with more free time to devote to some of the things he loved. Bill liked to play golf and was a member of the Great Lakes Seniors golf team for quite some time. He and Mary purchased a manufactured home in Bonita Springs, Florida, where they lived from November through April each year. Together they also enjoyed many cruises and trips to Mexico, too. Music always spoke to Bill, and he especially enjoyed big band music, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Pops series, as well as musicals and classic hymns.

It was a real treat to see Bill come into his own when he became a grandfather. He treasured this new role and adored each one of his grandchildren. Bill always stressed the importance of an education and hard work to his grandchildren, taking every opportunity to pass along words of wisdom. He even walked his granddaughter Lisa down the aisle as her father, Bill’s son, had previously passed away.

Health struggles plagued Bill throughout the sunset of his life. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about eight years ago and Parkinson’s disease about six years ago. Mary tenderly cared for him at home for as long as she could with the help of SarahCare during the day and plenty of help from the grandchildren, too. Eventually his care became too much. Bill moved to the Verbrugge Center.

William Kosten was a remarkable man who brought so much joy to the world around him. He enjoyed people, had a great sense of humor, and was always looking for ways to help others. Bill loved golfing, spending time on his boat, and traveling, but nothing brought him greater joy than being with his family. Although Alzheimer’s disease held Bill in its unrelenting grip, those who loved him knew that he always remembered what it meant to love. He will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

William Henry Kosten died on September 2, 2010. Bill’s family includes his wife Mary; children, Douglas Kosten, John (Terri) Kosten, daughter- in-law Laurie Kosten; grandchildren, Lisa (Jason) Nedwick, Tom Kosten, Dan Kosten, Amanda Kosten, and Michael Kosten. Also surviving are Caroline Kosten; his brothers, James (Edna) Kosten, Emery (Marilyn) Kosten; many nieces and nephews, and close friends, Norman and Mary Patterson. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jeanette Kosten, son Tom and grandson Nicholas Kosten. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Trinity Reformed Church Youth Fund, 1224 Davis NW, 49504 or SarahCare, 2024 Health Dr. SW, Wyoming, 49519.