Leslie N.  Koster

Koster, Leslie N. Col. Leslie N. Koster, age 81, of Grandville, was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on February 19, 1933 to Ivan and Esther Koster. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wilmer. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Joan; children, Kimberly (Dennis) Van Camp, Douglas (Vicki) Koster; grandchildren, Meghan (Scott) Stachowski, Nicholas and Nathan; brother, Ernie (Joanne) Koster; sister-in-law, Marcia; many faithful friends.  Les graduated from Grandville High School in 1951 and went to Western Michigan University. He played football for four years and received many honors, as well as being the team captain his senior year. Les was always proud to be a Bronco. After graduation he entered the U.S. Army and served for 2 years at Fort Lee, Virginia. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1993. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College and received the Meritorious Service Medal. He was a partner for many years in Peninsular Securities, and he was a long time member of Hope Reformed Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder.  Les and Joan spent many winters at their condo in Arizona, where they established many friendships.  The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Sheldon Meadows, where Les spent the last 3 ½ years, as well as the people of Spectrum Health Hospice, who were so helpful during the last few weeks.  Funeral services will be held on Friday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. with Rev. Peter TeWinkle officiating.  Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home, as well as Friday from 10-11 am prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan.