Martin T. DeCoster

Age 83, passed away April 22, 2002 at the Parkside Care Center in Little Chute. Martin was born September 9, 1918 in the Town of Buchanan, son of the late John and Annie (De Bruin) DeCoster. During World War II, he served as a member of the United States Army and was a proud recipient of the Purple Heart. After his discharge from the service he returned home to marry the former Hattie Van Daalwyk on June 5, 1950 in Kimberly. She preceded him in death on June 14, 1986. For nearly forty years, Martin was employed at the Appleton Papers – Combined Locks Mill. He retired in 1981 as a longtime member of the Quarter Century Club. He enjoyed peaceful Sunday drives with Hattie and observing the busy world from his favorite chair.

Survivors include two sons: Andy (Debbie) DeCoster and Al (Barb) DeCoster, both of Kaukauna; a daughter: Lola “Olie” DeCoster of Kaukauna; five grandchildren: Marty DeCoster and his fiancée Jackie Huss, Michael DeCoster and his special friend Becki Sprangers, Amos DeCoster, Randy DeCoster, and David DeCoster; a special sister-in-law and guardian angel at Parkside: Susan Vanevenhoven of Little Chute; two sisters-in-law: Mary (Jim) Scagnelli of Georgia and Ceil Van Daalwyk of Appleton; two sisters: Mary Biese of Kaukauna and Delia Hauser of Appleton, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Hattie; brothers Albert (Agnes Sanders) DeCoster, Hank (Ceil) Coenen, George (Ruth) Coenen, Ben (Rosie) Coenen; brothers-in-law: Bill Schumacher, Aloysius Biese, Carl Hauser, Jacob “Toby” Van Daalwyk, Joseph “Choc” (Charlotte) Van Daalwyk, Lester Vanevenhoven; and a sister-in-law: Catherine Van Vonderen.

The funeral liturgy for Martin will be held at 4:30 PM on Friday, April 26, 2002 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 116 W. 7th Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Robert Udulutsch, OFM Cap. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Friday from 3:30 PM until the hour of the liturgy. The members of Electric City Post #3319 of the VFW will provide military memorial honors following the liturgy on Friday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

So many special people made Dad’s final days more comfortable and meaningful, and we would like to thank everyone at Parkside Care Center for your wonderful care and compassion; Dr. Al and his medical staff treated Dad as though he was their very own – our deepest thanks to you. Fr. Bob, Sr. Francine, and Margaret from St. Mary Church visited and prayed often with Dad. Your visits lifted his spirits. Thank you all so very much.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200