William J. Koster

MADISON-William J. Koster, age 96, of Madison, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018.  He was born in 1922, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Frank and Theresa Koster. William graduated from Denby High School in Detroit and was a pitcher for the baseball team. After his service during World War II he owned and operated the Cracker Box Lunch Wagon which made stops around town to serve Madison area workers. One of his customers was his future wife, Margaret. Their first date was spent making fudge using wartime sugar rations from his business. William married Margaret in 1950 and they raised four children. He worked in the printing business and enjoyed woodworking, framing, and photography. He knew how to capture a moment with his camera. He could quote poetry and he remembered what Margaret was wearing on the day they met. He was handy, and eagerly joined any project his family brought his way. William valued his family and remained close to his siblings. He loved Christmas Eves in Detroit and he was an enthusiastic participant in decades of family reunions. He readily accepted invitations to family gatherings and was a reliable presence for his grandchildren’s activities. William had an African Gray parrot “Silver” who will also miss him. William  is survived by his children, Gregory Koster, David (Chris) Koster, Nancy (Jon) Martin, and Fran (Tom) Pfefferkorn;  grandchildren, Jonathan Martin, Maggie (Chad) Lardizabal, Katherine Koster, Frank Martin,  Anna Pfefferkorn, Jack Pfefferkorn, Wendy Pfefferkorn, Megan Moritz and Keith (Beth) Moritz; great-grandchild, Scout Moritz; siblings, Dolores "Lolly" (Barney) Wasowicz and Richard "Dick" Koster; sisters-in-law, Helen "Wick" Koster and Mary Ann Koster; and many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret; sister, Grace (Harry) Easton; brothers, Frank "Jim" Koster, Donald (Dorothy) Koster and Robert "Lefty" Koster; and sister-in-law, Dolores "Dolly" Koster.  Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, with the Rev. Sandra Schieble presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. The family wishes to thank the devoted staff of Agrace HospiceCare, Bill's compassionate care provider, Monica of Right at Home, the kind and talented Deb Scalissi, Independent Living, SSM Health at Home and Meals on Wheels for all of their wonderful care and support given to Bill.  Memorials may be made to Independent Living or Meals on Wheels.