Chris passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 from injuries sustained in a car accident.
He was born January 14, 1960 in Plainwell the son of Clarence and Lottie (Barnaby) Koster. Chris worked in law enforcement for the last 32 years. He had worked for the Otsego Police Department; was a Deputy with the Allegan County Sherriff’s Office for 27 years, was a detective specializing in crimes against children, was part of the Allegan County Dive Team and was currently the Chief of Police in Nashville, Michigan. Chris was a member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
In his free time Chris enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, woodworking, golf and riding off road vehicles. He was an outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, go camping and boating. Chris loved his family and his dogs. On March 1, 1986 in Kalamazoo he married Michelle Olds who survives.
Also surviving are his sons, Kyle (Stephanie) Koster of Schoolcraft and Hunter Koster of Plainwell; mother, Lottie Koster of Plainwell and sisters, Sherry (Al) Selen of Pine Lake and Debbie Koster of Plainwell along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, his mother and father-in-law, Rodney and Janet Olds and his brother-in-law, Michael Olds.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Chris’ family from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Plainwell United Methodist Church with celebrant Bill Rose officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Chris may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Thin Blue Line of Michigan.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Jeff and Carol Welcher and family
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
KimberLee Lewis
Rest Peacefully… Prayers for the Family..
Craig Gardiner
Chris was a mentor to me as a young police officer at the Sheriff Dept. He specialized as an investigator for crimes against children. He was a good friend and a loving family man. His two sons were his pride and joy. He will be missed. Prayers go out to Chris and his family
Myrene Koch
My thoughts & prayers are with Michelle, Kyle, Hunter, & the entire Koster family. Chris had a smile that could light up the room & he will be greatly missed! I wish you all peace & comfort.
ELLEN BERENS
Michelle- Gregg and I are sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. Our hearts hurt for you.
Jackie Taylor
Enjoyed working with Chris for so many years. Loved his sense of humor. Hugs for Michelle, Kyle, Hunter and all the Koster family.
Jennifer & Tim Mitchell
What an incredible loss! Chris‘ service made a difference in many lives. I know he loved his family so much, and would be sorry to see you suffering. I hope that very soon the many happy memories you made together will help you overcome the sadness at the loss of this great man.
Bud and Betty Randall
Michelle, Kyle, Hunter, Lottie and family out hearts break for you. Chris was an amazing man who loved his family above all else. Our prayers are with you all.
David & Jane Kling
Dear Michelle, Sherry, Al, Deb and Family,
We were so shocked to hear about the accident that took Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories of good times together bring you peace and comfort as the days go by.
David Holmes
Chris as well taught me many positive things on how to deal with people as a young police officer. My thoughts to his family . Rest In Peace Chris.
Morgan and Laura Sullivan
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time. Koster was truly one-of-a-kind. He was such a great mentor to Morgan and like family to us. He was our giant teddy bear and will miss him dearly. We love you guys!
Roberts and Shelley Kengis
Our hearts ache for the whole family. You are all in our prayers.
Michael Simonds
Way too soon.
RIP my brother…
Kelly Root
It wasn’t that long ago that we talked. Such a shock to hear this news. When we worked together in Allegan and in Barry County, I had such respect for you. Rest in peace my friend and thanks for all you gave for and to others. Hugs to his wife and chilildren that I never had the pleasure to meet.
Cathy Boysen
To the Koster family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Hold close to your hearts all those precious memories.
Emily Mills
Michelle and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Chris. My heart aches for your family. I was honored to work with him for 24 years. Chris teased me a lot and also helped me to be a better dispatcher. He was an excellent police officer and loved his family above all. Rest In Peace Chris.
Michael Chase
To the Koster family,
I’ve known Chris since we were in grade school. Chris was a devoted family man and a great sportsman in the outdoors. He was in law enforcement for a long time. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the Koster family.
Tom and Nancy Nagurka
Dear Koster Family,
We were so saddened to learn of your loss. Sending prayers for your family that you feel comfort, healing, strength and peace.
John and Pam Bierema
Sherry and Al, we are so sad to hear of this great loss to you and your family and the community. You were so blessed to have Chris and his memory and spirit live on.
John & Sheila Stidham
Michelle, Kyle and Hunter. We are so sorry for your loss. Chris was a great husband, father and a friend to so many. He talked about you all at work and was so very proud of you boys. You have our heart and thoughts through this terrible time.
Kelly Abraham-Ciolk
I had the privilege to work with Chris at the beginning of my career. He was a great officer and made everyone he worked with a better officer, dispatcher and friend. I will cherish the Jamaica trip with you and Michele! RIP!
Steve and Ann Pegg
Chris was a dear friend; he always was in high spirits. We enjoyed the vacations, dinners and outings with him and our hearts and prayers are with Michelle, Kyle and Hunter. Though his mission on earth has been completed, he will never leave our memories.
Bill and Karen Bomar
Michelle, Kyle, Hunter, Lottie and the entire Koster family, we are so very saddened by this loss. Bill remembers all the hunting and fishing adventures with Chris and the speed dial phone calls as Chris was starting out as Chief of Nashville. He was a great person who gave 100% in everything he did and will be sorely missed. Our love to all of you during this very sad time.
Jim Lumbard
Dear Koster family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Chris was a great man. He touched the lives of so many. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Richard and Barbara Brooks
Our thought and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Chris was a good guy and will be missed by many.
Natalie Witt
I went to school, ran through the Five & Dime, and attended church with Chris. He was the officer that came when I had a pretty drastic run in with a deer & had my four year old son with me. I was pretty shook up & he helped calm me down. It was very comforting to have an old friend there to take care of things. For that, I am ever thankful! Rest easy Chris… My thoughts are with his family…
Stephen Tooker
Chris was a great friend in the early days of middle and high school
I’m so sorry, so sad and so blessed to have known him.
Prayers to the family.
Lynne Boss Fahrne
So sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for your family. Lord bless you with peace, guidance, comfort, and love. Prayers, hugs and love.
David Conklin
So Sorry for your loss.
David Conklin
So Sorry.
Joe Knapp
It was a pleasure working with Chris. I learned alot from him as a young police officer. Prayers .
Paul & Michelle Baker
Prayers to the family as Chris aways put his family first as they were is world. He served the public proud and he was taken away to soon but never forgotten. Chris may u RIP.
Rick Prica
Thoughts and prayers to Hunter and his family, from the Prica’s and your LSSU Tennis family.
Rochelle Hartleb
Dear Michelle, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. With sympathy and love…
Maring Family
God Bless you and your family.
Barbie Osborn
Michelle, Kyle, Hunter and the rest of the Koster family: I am so sorry and deeply saddened by Chris’s passing. He loved all of you and life to the fullest. We were blessed to have had time with him. My love and prayers are with you all.
Marcia Nieuwenhuis Miyagawa
Michelle,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. So tragic! This just breaks my heart for you! May you and your boys find comfort in all of the wonderful memories that you’ve been blessed with. Hold them near and dear to your heart.
God’s Blessings to you and your family in this most difficult time.
Marcia
Don and Shirley Brown
Thoughts and prays to the family at this difficult may God give you peace..
Beverly McKinney
My heart is breaking for your family .He was such a warm wonderful man .Had an infectious laugh that will remain in my head and heart .He helped so many people including me when I needed help and guidance he made a difference.i can only wish he knew how much he meant to his community and his friends
Lee Morgan
I’m sorry for your loss. I have known and worked with Chris for over 20 years. Great guy and great police officer and every time I saw Chris, he had a smile on his face. He will be missed greatly.
Dan Hoffman
I went to the police academy with Chris in the mid 80’s and had the pleasure of working with him for over 2 decades. My sympathies to the family. He made this world a better place.
Linda warner
Michelle-I’m so very sorry for your loss. Hold tight to the memories and your love
I will keep you in my prayers
Shirley Brainard & Lucian Marks
We are so sorry for the tragic loss of Chris, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you piece.
Jeanne Marie-Parker Miller
Prayers peace and love to those left behind. Chris was always a great professional to work with RIP sir.
Kevin christensen
Michelle I am so sorry for your loss. Kyle and Hunter your dad was so proud of you both.when I asked how you were doing his eyes lite up and told me about what you both were doing . I was very lucky to work with him and your granddad Kevin Christensen
Phares & Lori Courtney
Michelle and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is breaking for you, I know how much Chris loved his family and dogs. I will truly miss him here in our small Village and his random stops at the store and standing in my office doorway letting my dogs sniff and nudge him to pet them. I hope you can find comfort in the loving memories you all have.
Paige Mulka & Molly & Ben Meddock
Michelle, Kyle, and Hunter, this is heartbreaking. We are so sorry for your loss. Chris was a good man with a big heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barb & George Olds
We are so very sorry for your loss. Condolences to you family.
William & Lynn Mollitor (Family)
To the entire Koster family,
Sending you prayers of comfort and healing during this most difficult of times. We are saddened by your loss.
Jami and Cari
Michelle, we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your boys. Words are hard to find in moments like this. Please know if you need anything we are here for you. Let us know when you want to get together. Love Cari and Jami
Lauri Rantz Stone
To the entire family…
As I try to put into words what a remarkable man Chris is…I find it hard to speak of him in a past tense.
Therefore, I will always keep him and all of you in the fore front of my heart.
I will forever remember all the greatness of this man, as so many, many individuals grieve his loss.
Michelle, you and your beautiful family have and always will be family to me. Please know I am always here for all of you…
Sending much love, hugs, and prayers to all of you….
“To live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die”
God bless this family through this most difficult time….
Lauri
Ty Swinehart
Chris was very dedicated to his family and the community he served. Michelle , Kyle , and Hunter prayers are with you and all the Koster family. Kyle and Hunter your dad told me that he was a lucky man to have two boys like yourself, when we was up north on the family ski trips. God bless the Koster family .
Larry and Judy Gonser, Nashville MI
The Village of Nashville was fortunate to have had Chief Koster keeping us all safer and more secure. His level of professionalism and dedication to his work can never be matched.
The families of Chief Koster can be very proud of him and his service to all of us.I
Larry and Judy Gonser
Nashville, Michigan
Brian and Meredith Selen
Sending you all love. I’m so lucky to have so many great memories and stories growing up with him as my Uncle.
Maggie, Frank,Jade ,Asteid, and Freya
Uncle Al and Aunt Sherry and Brian and Meredith
We are all sorry to hear of loss. Keeping you in our thoughts.
Shannon Fuller
Chris worked with me and was a fantastic mentor. He taught so many and was loved by all. He will be miss! May GOD wrap you in his arms as the entire Koster family works through this difficult time.
Cathy Weirick
I worked alongside Chris at Safe Haven Children’s Advocacy Center and even though our work was difficult, Chris helped to lighten the load for all those around him but especially for the kids who needed his service. He called me his work wife once and I couldn’t be more honored to remember him this way.
David, Necole, Carter, Hogan And Maisy Yaw
Michelle, Hunter and Kyle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Koster family during this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around and comfort you with the continued memories or Chris.
Sherry and Kirby Goodwin
Michelle and family—-I had always said that one of my top ten favorite people was Chris’ dad, Bud Koster. Well, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Chris was one of those men who took the role of son, husband and father seriously and always spoke glowingly of all of you. He had a wicked sense of humor and could instantly de-pressurize the most terrible situation. He was a good friend and will be sorely missed. The world could use more Chris Kosters.
Scott MacLeod
We are deeply saddened at Chris’ passing. Our families were so close when he was a very young man, and I will never forget his happy “love of life” attitude.I appreciate all that he did for my parents, and my heart breaks for Lottie.Our love to all of his family from our family. Most heartfel condolences.
Scott, Susi, Leigh and Heather (Garnto)
The MacLeod Family
Stacey Madden family
We are so very sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. Words cannot express our sympathy. He was a good man and will be missed by many. Keeping you all close in thoughts and prayer. ♥️
Douglas DeCamp
Michelle, I’m so sorry with your lost of Chris. I only new you as an outstanding service person at Fifth Three bank as my account service person and Chris as the Chief of Police in Nashville, MI.
As I commented many times on the phone as you were servicing my 5/3 bank account, that I was so please with Chris’s effort and work to turn Nashville around to be the community that I grew-up in. I belief that because of his effort, Nashville has started to turned the corner and becoming the high quality community it was in the pass and that was because of his interest and effort there. We thank you for letting Chris be part of Nashville transition to becoming a better and stronger community.
Michelle, very best regards t you and your family during this very tough time. Remember, God is always with you and wants you to use him.
Very-Very Best Regards,
Doug and Margaret DeCamp