William Koster

An eternal optimist, Bill Koster was a faith filled man of integrity. He was generous with his time, talents and treasures, and loved the gift of laughter. By looking into his eyes, one could clearly see the heart of Bill-a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend as he lived his life in service to others.

Bill's story began on October 25, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan when Wienko and Wilhelmina (VanderMeer) Koster welcomed the birth of their son, William into their lives. His parents were Dutch immigrants who came to Ellis Island on March 26, 1913 to begin their lives anew. His father was a carpenter by trade while his mother remained at home, looking after William and his five siblings. The Koster family made their home on Vries Street SW where young William shared neighborhood adventures and attended the local schools.

While attending Davis Tech High School, Bill met Margery Balk, the young woman who came to hold his heart. The young couple began dating, and 18 months later they were married in the parsonage of East Leonard Christian Reformed Church. With deep abiding love, Bill and his beloved Margery set out to begin their new lives together. With Bill working in Detroit at the General Motors Diesel Plant, they moved there for short time until the onset of World War II. Bill was drafted in the U.S. Army where he fulfilled tours of duty in North Africa and Europe. He served as an anti aircraft gun crewman from February 1943 until his honorable discharge in November of 1945. During this time, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sherry in 1943.

After the war, Bill and Margery built a home in Grandville. Before long they welcomed the birth of son, David in 1947, and Kathy completed their family in 1951. In 1965, Bill and Margery moved to a home in Wyoming. With their children grown with lives of their own, Bill and Margery eventually settled into their Falcon Pointe condo where they remained for the rest of their days together.

Like his father before him, Bill was also a carpenter. He loved working with hand tools, and went on to become a very skilled, master woodworker. He worked on the moulding in the oval office at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, and also worked on area buildings and churches. Throughout his career, Bill worked for DeYoung Construction prior to becoming laid off at 62. Ever devoted, Bill provided a good life for Margery and the kids. Their family cherishes wonderful memories of times at their family cottage on School Section Lake. Bill built this treasured getaway in the 1950s, and they even camped on the lot until its completion. To this day his family continues enjoys it.

Bill was active and kept himself busy. He and Margery loved buying antiques, restoring them, and then selling them at area antique malls. He loved reading books on history and antiques; kept up on current events; and loved the sounds of country music, but nothing compared to spending time with his grandchildren. He loved visiting with them and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. For the last nine years, Bill and Margery faithfully attended Standale Reformed Church.

Four years ago, Bill suffered from congestive heart failure and had valve replacement surgery. Since then, he walked nearly three miles a day, but recently began to slow down. With his health diminishing, he started retaining fluid, and fell. After a short stay in the hospital, Bill was transferred to Covenant Village of the Great Lakes for physical therapy where he sadly died shortly after his arrival.

A wonderful, loving family man, Bill held close to his faith and gave generously to those around him. He loved to laugh, and his positive outlook shone bright. Deeply missed, Bill will be fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Mr. William “Bill” Koster, aged 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away very unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Margery Koster; his children, Sheryl and James Black, David and Sandra Koster, Kathy and Scot Richards; his grandchildren, Will Paiz, Phillip (Zhuli) Paiz, Kelly Koster, Kristen Koster, Kevin (Jessica) Koster, Christopher Richards, Megan Jade Richards; many other nieces, nephews and friends. Bill honorably served his country in the US Army during World War II. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Friday at 2:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral chapel on Friday from 1:00 PM until the service begins. To sign Bill’s guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.