Mark H. Koster

Mark H. Koster was born to John P. and Marguerite L. Jasper Koster on April 29, 1931, on his mother's birthday. Mark was born on the family farm south of Cawker City, Kansas, where he lived with his family and attended St. Theresa's School.
On April 30, 1953, he was married to Janet J. Barnett and to this union were born six children, Mark Edward, Janet Lynn, Kevin John, Douglas Allen, Ricky Raye and Melanie Gaylene. They made their home in Cawker City until 1972.
Mark worked for Edna Corder in a grocery store, then was employed at the Barnett Company of Cawker City. In 1956 he was employed by Mitchell County Highway Department. Mark and Jan also ran a grocery store in Cawker City called M & J Exchange for several years. The family moved to Beloit where Mark was employed by the City of Beloit and then became a custodian at Beloit Junior-Senior High School until his retirement in 1993. His pride and joy was the football field and he spent many hours keeping it in good condition. After his retirement from USD 273, he was employed part time at Beloit Auto Truck Plaza.
Mark's family was very important to him and he enjoyed coaching sons and daughters in baseball or softball. He was also a scout leader in Cawker City. Many hunting and fishing trips with sons, cousins and brothers were highlights of the summer and fall. Camping trips to the lake were an enjoyment for the whole family.
Survivors are his wife of almost 56 years, Janet; children, Mark Edward, Janet Lynn Simoneau, Kevin John and wife, Kathy, Douglas Allen, Ricky Raye and wife, Rebecca, Melanie Gaylene and husband, Craig Foster; grandchildren, Dustin Edward Koster and Kristin, Jarritt Francis Koster and Shanna, Heather Jan Simoneau, Brandon Eugene Simoneau and Laura, Christopher Paul Koster, Cory Allen Koster, Derrick James Koster, and Natashia Marie and Nathan Neal Foster, and great granddaughters, Paige Dawn Koster, Ariana Elizabeth Koster, Madison Linn Simoneau and Mya Jean Simoneau and Jada Ann Koster, Kyreese and Taylor; special friend, his fun loving dog-Sam; father-in-law, Edward Barnett; brother-in-law, Bill Barnett and Gayle; sisters, Cecelia McMillan and Loretta Elniff; sisters-in-law, Margie Koster, Irma Koster, Eileen Koster and Cindy Reese.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Paul, Chris, Jack, Jim and Frances; and sister, Lucile Wendell.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Monday, February 16, at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday with a vigil service at 7:00 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home in Beloit. Memorials to Morrison House, Solomon Valley Hospice or Lions or Rotary Ball Programs. Condolences to: www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com