J. Daniel Koster

Dan’s vibrant personality made him the person everyone wanted to know. He had an uncommon way of making people feel good about themselves, especially his family and close friends. Every day he was sure to let them know they were the most important and meaningful part of his life.

In the early 1980s, entertainment defined American pop culture like never before. Pac-man mania swept over the nation, as did acclaim for a new cable television station entirely devoted to music: MTV. Compact discs also made their debut, causing a remarkably sharp decline in vinyl record sales. As for movies, they were bigger and better than ever, and hits like Raiders of the Lost Ark and ET – The Extra-Terrestrial became instant classics.

Just as America entered this entertainment age, Jack and Laura (Ter Horst) Koster of Grand Rapids, Michigan welcomed their first son. J. Daniel Koster arrived on January 13, 1981. He became the second of four children, joining his older sister Rebecca and serving as big brother to Nathan and Leah in the coming years.

Until the age of 8, Dan lived with his family on Wallwood Drive NE. For kindergarten and first grade, he attended Creston Christian Elementary. As a student Dan was an enthusiastic and curious. He always wanted to know what was going on. School was, therefore, something Dan looked forward to – a place where he could be “Mr. Social.” It was certainly a title he lived up to, as he was continually determined to get to know everyone he met.

When his family moved to Holland to open a bike shop, he was forced to say good-bye to his Grand Rapids classmates. Though he was sad to leave, he also looked forward to meeting new people. He entered the second grade at Holland Christian Elementary optimistic about making new friends. With his charm and kindness, it was not long before Dan knew the entire school. He was popular not for wearing the “right” clothes or listening to the “right” music, but for his unique ability to make his fellow students feel good about themselves. Dan had always had a way of making people feel special, like they were the most intelligent, important people in the world; and to Dan at least, they undoubtedly were.

Dan’s positive attitude worked well at school and on the soccer field as well. Dan joined his first soccer team at age 11. He ended up loving the game so much that he later joined the Lakeshore United Traveling Soccer Team. His career as a soccer player was dedicated to the love of the game and good times with his team.

Dan’s family was incredibly proud to see him graduate from Holland High in 1999. Over the years they had watched him transition from school to school, always making the most friends he could make. Dan’s top priority was family and friends; at the drop of a hat Dan would be there for his family and many friends whom he loved.

After high school, Dan began working full-time at his family’s bike shop, Holland Cycling and Fitness. Dan was a born salesman, he could sell you sand in a bucket. Without knowing what was about to happen the next customer through the door was at Dan’s mercy. Camaraderie among the boys at the shop was among his many passions.

Dan sold bikes to many nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. He himself loved the outdoors as well, though camping was certainly not among his favorite activities. In fact, he hated it. After a day of hiking and biking with his friends, Dan would insist on getting a hotel room. His friends relentlessly teased him for it, but it was all in good fun.

Reading and music were Dan’s favorite things. He was especially drawn to the literary classics because they inspired him with his own writing. Dan wrote constantly wherever he was, even making notes on scraps of paper and napkins. Dan gained a lot of knowledge through reading and writing, knowledge he used when he and his father competed in heated trivia games. Dan’s passion was listening to music and going to concerts. The sounds of all kinds of music were therapeutic to him. He liked listening to anything and would even rhyme for his friends.

Dan spent the majority of his time with his family and close circle of friends. He could always make them laugh at his quirkiness. As a child, Dan refused to be called “Dan;” he insisted on the name “Bubba.” Bubba was one of his first classic phrases. Later in life, he was famous for asking, “Do you think I’m sexay?” a question he usually paired with some kind of ridiculous pose. His friends couldn’t help but laugh every time.

As for his taste in food, Dan had a reputation for being a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy. But as he explored more of the world, he eventually branched out into more exotic foods like sushi. Dan found some great sushi places in Chicago, which is where he began school in September of 2002. While taking business and English classes, he worked as a bartender. This job, like his sales position, allowed him to be social & interact with all kinds of different people.

Dan was always there for the people in his life, always ready to listen and offer support. Dan maintained his passion for people throughout his years. His friends and family will always remember his generosity and kindness as well as the memories along the way.

J. Daniel Koster died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 18, 2004. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Donald Ter Horst and his grandmother, Elizabeth Koster. He is survived by his parents, Jack and Laura Koster of Holland; his sister Rebecca Koster of Holland, his brother, Nate Koster of Holland and sister Leah Koster of Holland; his grandmother Shirley (Ralph) Ter Horst-Wolthuis of Holland, his grandfather Henry Koster of Jenison; several aunts uncles and cousins.

A memorial service for Dan will be held on Monday November 22 at 7:00 P.M. at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W Lakewood Blvd with Pastors Daniel Walcott and Trent Walker officiating.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the Mulder Life Story Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given to Holland Area Young Life or Harderwyk Ministries Watershed.

Please visit Dan’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a memory or make a memorial contribution.

Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Mulder Chapel.