Roger Koster

Roger Eugene Koster passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas, while he and his wife, Jolene, were traveling to Texas, where they had spent their winters for the past twelve years. He was 78 years old.

Roger was born on June 3, 1947, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Gerald and Polly Koster. He spent his early childhood in Warroad, where his father and grandfather owned a hardware store. In 1959, the family moved to Baudette, where Roger met his wife of 59 years, Jolene Forney, in high school. He began his college studies at Bemidji State University, then continued at St. Cloud State University after he and his high school sweetheart, Jolene, were married. He earned his teaching degree from St. Cloud State and began a lifelong career in education that spanned forty-four years.

Roger’s career began in Silver Bay in 1970, where he taught, was the head baseball coach from 1970-83, assistant a hockey coach from 1970-73, and head hockey coach from 1973-83. As Reserve Mining shrunk and eventually closed, he found work down highway 61 at first in Duluth and then Two Harbors. He taught and was the head hockey and baseball coach at Duluth Cathedral from 1983-86 and taught and was the head hockey and baseball coach in Two Harbors from 1986-96. Roger finished his career in Silver Bay again where he was the Activities Director from 1997-2014. He served the families of Silver Bay with pride until his retirement in 2014, a forty-four year career.

Roger supported student athletes well beyond the season. He worked at summer hockey schools across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. In the 1980s, he started a summer hockey school in Silver Bay, of which he was the director for many years. He served on the two class Hockey Advisory Committee, which helped bring Class A Hockey to Minnesota and opened opportunities for small schools. He earned induction into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1998, the Polar League Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2018, and is a member of the Blueline Club Wall of Fame in Silver Bay.

As his sister Rochelle shared, Roger “lived a life of gusto.” He spoke his mind, cared deeply, and carried an honest candor that people respected and loved. He believed in hard work, showing up early, giving your best, and doing what was right for kids. He was respected for his steady presence, clear expectations, and strong values. He told stories with humor and insight, and he connected people through the power of those stories. He mentored many young educators and coaches, guided them with encouragement, and believed in their potential.

Roger was a lifelong outdoorsman. He guided on Lake of the Woods from his teenage years through 1982 and continued to share time on the water with friends and family throughout his life. Summers were spent on the lakes of Northern Minnesota, on Lake Superior and at Isle Royale. In the fall, he hunted ruffed grouse across the Superior National Forest. Deer hunting in Beltrami Island State Forest, a family tradition begun with his father and brother in the late 1950s, remained one of his greatest joys. When winter arrived, he traveled north to Lake of the Woods, snowmobiled across the frozen lake, and drilled holes during the coldest weather imaginable.

Hockey was one of Roger’s greatest loves. He played, coached, and followed the sport with passion. One of his favorite traditions was attending the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. He never missed a tournament from 1969 through 2019, often taking family along, reconnecting with former players, visiting with colleagues, and sharing memories from decades behind the bench.

After retirement, Roger and Jolene found a second home in Port Aransas, Texas, where they joined a close community at Pioneer RV Beach Resort. Roger fished from the channel, the pier, or his beach chair, and he enjoyed afternoons playing cards at the community center. They built friendships that filled their winters with laughter, warmth, and connection.

Roger treasured his family above all else. Fishing and hunting trips with family were the biggest joy in his life. Stopping to see family, especially his mother, was always a priority after most hunting and fishing trips. Holidays were also one his favorite times of year, filled with games he created for the grandkids and the energy he brought to every gathering. He showed his love through time, effort, and the countless ways he supported his family without hesitation.

Roger is survived by his wife, Jolene; daughter Jennifer of Duluth; son Sean and Angela of New Ulm; grandchildren Cody Schimming of Baltimore, Maryland, Devin and Maggie Koster of Blaine, Tristan Koster of Blaine, Aiden Koster of New Ulm, Erik Koster of Mankato, and Josh McClain of Superior, Wisconsin; sisters Rochelle Dillon of Buderium, Queensland, Australia and Jacqueline and Terry Rae-Ledin of Washburn, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Barb Koster of Williams; and many other beloved family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Polly Koster, his father in law and mother in law Joe and Helene Forney, his brother Dennis Koster, and his brother in law David Dillon.

A graveside service will take place this summer at the Sawtooth Cemetery on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Silver Bay, Minnesota. A celebration of life will follow at the Silver Bay Reunion Hall.