Irma Koster

Irma Lee Koster was born on August 8, 1927 in Beloit, Kansas, one of 11 children to John and Bessie Rorabaugh Gildersleeve. She died Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit at the age of 91.

Irma grew up and spent most of her life in Beloit, where she graduated from Beloit High School in 1945.

On July 21, 1948, she was united in marriage with Chris Koster at the St. John's Rectory. They lived their entire married life in Beloit, where they raised three children, Marsha, Gary, and Patti. They were privileged to spend 29 years of marriage together until his death in 1977.

Irma worked for many years at the Model Bakery before becoming the head cook at St. John's for several years. She also spent countless hours volunteering for various tasks at St. John's. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, and bird watching. She also had a great interest in trains, NASCAR, and John Wayne movies.

She was a devoted member of St. John's, the Ladies Guild, and the VFW Auxiliary.

In addition to her husband, Irma was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Orville, Ivan, Marian, John, Agnes, Ione, Dorothy, Ruth, and Carl; and her daughter-in-law, Karla Koster.

Irma is survived by her children, Marsha Smith of Beloit, Gary Koster of Iuka, and Patti (Jim) Hammel of Ellsworth; 8 grandchildren, Tami (Tyson) Jacobs, Christi (Greg) Romine, Kristin Koster, Kelcy Koster, Kyle (Marcie) Hammel, Jason (Sara) Hammel, Patrick (Cheryl) Hammel, and David Hammel; 16 great grandchildren, Devyn, Austyn, James, Jailynn, Syvanna, Kari, Caylee, Taylie, Sierra, Kylee, Sydney, Taryn, Teagan, Hayden, Cady, and Jensen; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A rosary service will be at 1 PM Friday, June 14, followed by a funeral mass at 2 PM Friday at St. John's Catholic Church. Per her wishes, the casket will remain closed. Memorials may be given to St. John's Schools.