Norbert T. Kosterman

Norbert T. Kosterman, 95, passed away at Manor Care Center, Kenosha, on Saturday, May 8, 2010. He was born in Racine on December 25, 1914 the son of the late Charles and Catherine (nee: Komas) Kosterman. Mr. Kosterman graduated from St. Mary’s Elementary School. He attended St. Catherine’s High School and graduated from Racine Vocational School. On May 28, 1941, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married the love of his life, the former Margaret Mary Hegeman. Mr. Kosterman had been employed by Young Radiator for 4 years. He then co-owned and operated the IGA Store at 1006 Center St., along with his sister Marie Kosterman Ruffalo. Later, along with his brother-in-law, Frank La Brasca, he owned and operated the West Racine IGA Superette on Washington Ave. Mr. Kosterman was employed as a custodian for the Racine Unified School District from 1953 until his retirement in 1976. In his retirement years, Mr. Kosterman remained physically active. Weather permitting, He’d walked either 3 miles or day or ride his bicycle from his West Racine home to Kenosha and back. Many times he and his wife vacationed in other parts of Wisconsin to ride the bike trails. Later on, like many other seniors, he enjoyed bus trips to the casinos in the State and gambling in Laughlin, Nevada. He was an avid Packer fan and a die-hard White Sox fan. His faith in God and his family were the two top priorities of his life. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Mary; their children, Thomas (Carole) Kosterman of Racine, Susan (Peter) Altenbach, of Franksville, Michael (Kathleen) Kosterman; son-in-law, James (Tammi) Charnon, all of Racine; 11 grandchildren, Shelley (Jon) Keiser, Scott (Danielle) Kosterman, all of Racine, Jeffrey (Crystal) Altenbach, of Glendale, AZ, Jennifer (Michael) Maxwell, Joseph (Jennifer) Altenbach, all of Racine, Michael (Kristin) Kosterman, of Chippewa Falls, WI, Marissa Kosterman, Mark Kosterman, Kim (John) Perez, all of Racine, Christine (David) Bergman, of Whitewater, and David (Melissa) Charnon, of Milwaukee; 27 great grandchildren; sister, Laverne Golden of Chanhassen, MN. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents, Mr. Kosterman was preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine Charnon, sisters and brothers, Verna Maller, Marie Ruffalo, Ruth Small, Dorothy Cook, Raymond Kosterman, Caroline Buehler, Charles Kosterman, Rita Murphy, and Bernice Zens. His mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 7-00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12th, in St. Edward Catholic Church, 15th St. and Grove Ave., with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Visitation will be in the Church on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery on Thursday at 10:30 a.m… The family has suggested memorials to either, St. Catherine’s High School, St. Edward Catholic Church, or Hospice Alliance.