Donald Koster

Donald C. Koster, age 82, of Rochester, MN passed away on December 18, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN with his loving wife and granddaughter by his side.

Donald Clarence Koster was born on April 17, 1942 on the Koster family farm in Osborne Township, Pipestone County, MN. He was one of six children, all of whom were very proud of their Dutch heritage. Throughout his teenage years, Don worked at his father's gas station, where he worked very hard and collected a great amount of stories he would often share. Don graduated from Tyler High School in 1960.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Alleckson, on March 14, 1964 in Tyler, MN. Don and Val celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past March surrounded by friends and family. They went on to have 2 sons, Brent and Troy. In 1969, the Koster family made their home in Rochester, MN. Don had an incredible 42 year career in the financial world. Don was always able to remember a number, whether it was a date, a price, or the perfect amount to tip.

Don was an active and proud father and grandfather. He would coach his sons little league team, sponsor his bowling team, and never missed a game or event put on by his grandchildren. He enjoyed collecting and restoring Ford cars from the 1950s, especially his 1957 retractable Ford Fairlane 500. He passed on his love of cars to his son, Brent, and his grandchildren. Don could always name a classic car and the year just from seeing it.

Don was known for his sense of humor. He had a joke for everything and a nickname for everyone. He knew exactly what to say to make you smile and full on belly laugh. There was never an event or family gathering without a few of Don's classic jokes shared. However, one had to be careful, because he was also quite the prankster!

In his spare time, he worked to support his son, Troy, by fundraising and spreading awareness for Autism. Additionally, Don and Val enjoyed traveling throughout the world, bringing back amazing stories to share with everyone they surrounded themselves with. Don and Val instilled their love of travel on their family and would always look forward to their yearly trips together. While the destination was wonderful, what really mattered was that they were all together.

In 2014, Don suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. He was able to regain his ability to walk and function independently in day-to-day life. The Koster family was truly blessed to receive 10 more years with him post stroke.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and older brother.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Valerie Koster of Rochester, MN; his sons Brent (Dawn) Koster of Rochester, MN and Troy Koster of Pine Island, MN; his grandchildren, Brandon (Kayla) Koster of Rogers, MN, and Danielle Koster of Rochester, MN; his brother William (Paula) Koster of Bloomington, MN.

A Celebration of Life for Donald will be held on Saturday January 25th, 2025 from 2-4 pm at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Rochester Minnesota (2815 57th St Nw, Rochester Mn 55901). There will be a brief service followed by a “Desert Bar” and fellowship hour in honor of Donald’s favorite meal.  Memorials may be given to RT Autism Awareness Foundation, Arc Minnesota (SE Chapter), or ExercisAbilities (EA Therapeutic Health).

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Koster family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.