Daniel Lee “Dan” Koster, 73, Hays, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend to so many, passed on to eternal life on February 12, 2026, at HaysMed.
He was born on November 18, 1952 in Oberlin, Kansas, the son of Fritz and Lois (Hatten) Koster, and he was raised on the family farm seven miles west of Hoxie with two brothers and two sisters. In 1970 he graduated from Hoxie High School and earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Colby Junior College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Fort Hays State University.
On June 24, 1972, Dan married DeeAnn Schiltz at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Selden, beginning a life together that lasted over 53 years. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Dan Jr., Emily, and Tom. Dan was a loving father who worked hard to provide for his family. His long career was as an owner-operator truck driver with over 5 million miles logged on the road with no accidents or tickets. Health issues brought that episode of his life to a close, but he was ready to finally stay at home. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and the St. Mary’s 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984. Dan was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who professed and lived his strong catholic faith. He enjoyed working on his truck, having the kids go trucking with him, hanging out with his friends and family, and he deeply loved and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.
Dan is survived by his wife Dee of Hays, his children Dan (Anita) Koster, Jr. of Hays, Emily (Doug) Cooper of Overland Park, and Tom (Rachel) Koster of Wichita, eight grandchildren, Hannah, Michaela, Ben, Rose, Luke, Emry, Connor, and Lauryn, brothers Harold (Bridget) Koster of Hoxie, and Nick (Marita) Koster, III of Denver, two sisters Kathy (Don) Kennedy of Oakley, and Nancy (Carl) Kiltz of Lindsborg, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his father and mother-in-law Harold (Edna) Schiltz.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughter’s of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm and a vigil service will be at 6:30, both on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for masses to be said for Dan or to Kansans for Life. Condolences and memories of Dan may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com