Elizabeth Koster

Elizabeth Normandie Koster was born on November 12, 1942 in Afton Township, Brookings County, South Dakota to Leo and Madeline (Clark) Schardin.  She was baptized at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church in Brookings and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota.  Liz attended Kindergarten thru 12th grade at Lake Benton Public School.  While in high school, Liz participated in band, playing the French horn.  She was also a drum majorette, and a cheerleader.  Upon graduation, she continued her education at the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis.  On October 6, 1962 Liz married the love of her life, Dave Koster, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake Benton.  The couple made their home in Tyler where they raised their four children. In 1982, Dave and Liz purchased Vadheim Drug and renamed it Koster Pharmacy.  Liz was an active member of the Tyler community serving on the Aebleskiver committee, Aebleskiver Queen committee, and the Chamber of Commerce, as well Holiday Happening and a variety of other committees. She also served as a cheerleading advisor for the RTR Knights. Liz owned and operated Lilibet’s in Marshall in the early 1990’s until her daughters Kirstin and Jacqueline took over in 2006.

Liz was an active member of First English Lutheran Church in Tyler where she served as a Youth Group Leader and in other various roles.   Liz was most recently a member of First Lutheran Church in Marshall.  In her free time it brought her great joy to watch her children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities, as well as following the RTR Knights.  She also enjoyed cross stitching and made all 11 of her grandchildren’s Christmas stockings.  Liz enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the Tyler Bridge Club.  In the summer months Liz enjoyed golfing on ladies’ day.

Liz was diagnosed with lung cancer in April and entered Prairie Home Hospice care in May.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 20, 2023.

Liz’s memory is lovingly cherished by her children, James (Kelly) Koster of Little Chute, Wisconsin, Jacqueline (Kevin) Peterson of Ghent, Minnesota, Karin (Corey) Johnson of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Kirstin (Dan)Marks of Marshall, Minnesota; grandchildren, Danika (James), Allie (Brock), Hunter (Sarah), Colton (SaLes), Alex (Paige), Tyler, Isaac, Sam, Maddie, Nicholas, and David; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Brantley, Oliver, and Regan; and siblings, David (Nancy) Schardin of Ham Lake, Minnesota and JoAnn Leinen of Lake City, Minnesota. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, David Koster; her parents, Leo and Madeline Schardin; brother, Michael Schardin; sister-in-law, Marla Schardin; and cousin, Stewart Schardin.

Memorials may be given to the following organizations.  Please send them to Liz’s family and they will forward them accordingly:

Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall, Minnesota or First Lutheran in Marshall, Minnesota