Obituary: James “Jamie” Craig Koster

James “Jamie” Craig Koster of Brillion, WI, age 71, died unexpectedly on Sunday January 14, 2024 at his home. He was born on June 23, 1952 in Osage, IA, son of the late Darwin & Lanita (Hansen) Koster. They lived on a farm near St. Ansgar, IA. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1969. He then attended NIACC & Upper Iowa University where he played football & wrestled.

On March 18, 1972, he married Ellen Gabrielson. Together they had 4 daughters –Jennifer, Kari, Amy, & Mary. He was a supervisor at White Farm Equipment in Charles City, IA and later moved to Brillion, Wisconsin in 1993 where he became a supervisor at the Brillion Iron Works. 

He enjoyed bowling, playing slow pitch softball, trap shooting, dancing, and playing cards. He loved the outdoors! Fishing, camping, trapping, hunting for morel mushrooms, asparagus, raccoon, and deer. He also was a Packers fan, but was the biggest fan to all 13 of his grandkids and great granddaughter. He loved to help and guide them as well as the many other kids he mentored, coached, and followed over the years. His smile and laugh would light up a room. His “wooooing” in the crowd will be missed. 

Jamie is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Ellen of Brillion; their daughters, sons-in-law, and their children: Jennifer (Ted) Fox of Osage, IA & children Christian (Bridget) & Haley, Derek (special friend, Emma), Nicholas (special friend, Samie), & Blake, daughter: Kari (Tony) Geiger of Brillion, WI & son Grant, daughter: Amy (Craig) Hedrich of Brillion, WI & children Jenna (special friend, Colton), Tyler, Lauren (special friend, Blake), & Kara, and daughter: Mary (Pete) Schuh, of Brillion WI & children Olivia, Claire, Emma, & Aubrey; his siblings: Kathy Chancellor of Atwater, MN, Lori (Tony) Mayer of St. Ansgar, Kevin (Kristie) Koster of St. Ansgar; in-laws:  Mark Gabrielson, Kathleen (Clancy) Tucker, and Janice Gabrielson; lots of very special nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Darwin & Lanita Koster; Brother-in-law-Roger Chancellor; niece: Kris Fischer; mother & father-in-law: Patricia & Paul Gabrielson; Sister-in-law: Doris Gabrielson; nephew: Matthew Gabrielson; and many special friends. 

He was a great son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle and friend to so many.

Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21st, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 601 E National Ave, Brillion, WI. Officiating will be Rev. Ross Henzi and Rev. Thomas Fricke.  Burial will take place in St. Ansgar Cemetery after a Celebration of Life in Iowa at a later date.  The link for the live stream Funeral Service at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church will be posted as soon as it is available. 

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.

Jamie’s favorite quotes:

If you can’t be good, be careful.

Go Pack Go

Lala lulu

Just say thank you!

Love ya!!

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.