Eleanor Koster

Eleanor Julia Vogel Koster

Eleanor Julia Vogel Koster of Canton, Illinois passed through the portal of death into life

everlasting on January 11, 2021. A blessed and abundant 100 years of life were granted to her

during her time on earth. Eleanor was born to George Christian William Vogel and Erna Maahs

Vogel on July 29, 1920. She was raised in a large, loving family with five brothers and three

sisters. She graduated from Madison East High School, attended secretarial school, and worked

for Vogel Brother’s Building Company before marrying. Eleanor met Carl H. Koster from

Sterling, Illinois at a Lutheran bible camp, and they married at St John’s Lutheran Church in

Madison, Wisconsin on June 16, 1940. Carl and Eleanor made Canton, Illinois their home in

1940 when Carl was transferred from the Rock Falls International Harvester plant to the plant in

Canton.

Eleanor was devoted to raising her six children, however she also loved adventure, enjoying

flying lessons, jeeping through the Rocky Mountains on her 80th birthday, and traveling abroad

as life permitted. Her love for her church, Trinity Lutheran, where she served in many roles and

sang in the choir, was central to her life. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter

JQ and served on the board of the Community Concert Association. Eleanor will be

remembered for many things, but her most lasting legacy and gift to her family was her deep

and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Her 100 years of earthly life were distinguished by acts of

compassion, humbleness, patience, servitude, and tenacity. Throughout her life she was God’s

goodness and love made visible.

She is survived by her six children: John Carl Koster (Laura) of Richardson, Texas; Carol Ellen

Funk of Canton, Illinois; Mary Alice Atchley (Gary) of Jackson, Mississippi; Jean Marie Sprecher

(Rod) of Canton, Illinois; James Alan Koster (Maureen) of Champaign, Illinois; and Mark William

Koster (Melinda) of Amarillo, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-greatgrandchildren;

sisters, Judy Englebrecht of Waverly, Iowa; Martha Boyer of Richmond, Virginia;

and brother David Vogel of Madison, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her husband

Carl; sister Erna Stephenson; and brothers George Vogel, Howard Vogel, Harold Vogel, and Paul

Vogel.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Chestnut, Canton, Illinois 61520.

Graveside services for the immediate family will be held on January 29, 2021. A memorial

church service will be scheduled at a later date. To leave online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com