Francis M. Koster

Francis M. Koster was born in Cawker City on July 6, 1927 to John Peter and Marguerite Lucile (Jasper) Koster. He died Monday, June 12, 2006 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas at the age of 78 years.

His childhood was spent on the farm south of Cawker City. He attended St. Theresa's school in Cawker City, Kansas.

Francis entered the Army on September 25, 1945. Helping to rebuild Germany he served in the Army Engineer Corps in Frankfort, Germany his entire tour of duty. He was discharged on February 20, 1947 with the rank of Corporal.

He was united in marriage to Margie Jo DeBey at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Cawker City, Kansas, on October 24, 1949. To this union were born five children, Jeanne, AJ, Joanne, Harry and Janelle.

Francis wore several different hats during his lifetime. He enjoyed and loved working with people. His early jobs centered around restaurants and grocery stores. He worked at Eldringhoff's Grocery Store in Beloit, Kansas. For over 25 years he was best known as the "Guys Potato Chip Man", dispensing not only potato chips, but his own brand of friendliness and humor. Upon his retirement, he managed Sunny Slope Apartments, worked bingo at the VFW and mowed lawns. In addition to the VFW, Francis was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Family was of primary importance to Francis. When he had time he enjoyed hunting fishing and taking long trips with his family, but his greatest joy was the love he had for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife, Margie of Beloit: his children, Jeanne and Jerry Sommerfeld, Halstead, Kansas, AJ and Barb Koster, Valley Center, Kansas, Joanne and Donald Brown, Beloit, Kansas, Harry and Linda Koster, Shawnee, Kansas and son-in-law Martin Hansen, Sedgwick, Kansas; grandchildren Brad and Rachel Sommerfeld, Brianne and Ladd Epp, Matt and Katy Brown, Teresa, Alicia, Emily, and Adam Brown, Ryan and Peter Koster, Levi and Florence Hansen, Eric, Zane, Kael and Wade Hansen; great-grandchildren Owen and Lauryn Sommerfeld, Doug Brown, Jordan and Xzavier Hansen; two sisters, Loretta Elniff and Cecilia McMillan, Randall, Kansas, one brother Mark Koster of Beloit.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Janelle Hansen, his brothers Paul, Chris, Jack and Jim, and one sister Lucille Wendell.

The vigil service will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, June 13, at McDonald Funeral Home with Father Larry Letourneau officiating.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Larry Letourneau at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 14, 2006
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas.
Lector will be Ron Koster and the
music for the Mass will be
"Here I Am Lord" "Prayer of St. Francis""I Am The Bread of Life" and "You Are Mine" provided by
The Church Choir with Helena Wiegand, Organist.Eucharistic Ministers will be Chuck and Pat Heidrick. Those serving as Gift Bearers are Brianne Epp,
Teresa, Alicia ,and Emily Brown
Mass Servers will be
Tyler Blass, Curtis Meier
Shanai Criswell, Kim Schaffer.
Casket Bearers are Brad Sommerfeld,Adam Brown,Matt Brown, Ryan Koster,Peter Koster,Levi Hansen,Eric Hansen, Zane Hansen
Kael Hansen, and Wade Hansen.
Military Honors will be rendered by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6242 Beloit, Kansas. Interment will be in Saint John's Cemetery.