Rodney Thomas Coster

Our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend Rodney Thomas Coster returned peacefully to his loving Heavenly Father on October 10, 2025 at the age of 94. He passed in his home, surrounded by his family.

Rod was born on July 30, 1931, in Burley, Idaho, to Cleo LeGrand and Florence Lyons Coster. He was the second of their four children. Rod grew up in Burley where he learned to work hard on farms and construction projects, most often working closely with his father. He was blessed to grow up surrounded by 56 cousins from his mother’s side. They were his best friends. Together, he and his many cousins learned what it meant to work hard and play hard. He spoke of them and those years fondly and often throughout his life.

As a strong Idaho farm boy, Rod attended Utah State University on a football scholarship. He played offensive tackle and loved the game of football even until his death. He was an avid fan of Utah State, The University of Utah, and BYU. He watched every game he could, including his grandchildren’s.

Rod married and was sealed to Pauline Taylor of Oakley, Idaho, on July 31, 1951 in the Idaho Falls Temple. He told us that day changed his life - directing him to the Savior and guiding his choices that would lead to eternal life with his family. We know that our dad deeply loved our mother and we saw him serve her throughout his life. How blessed we are to have witnessed such great love.

After graduating from Utah State University, Rod served two years in two different MASH units in Korea, deploying with the Army National Guard on June 19, 1954. Following his military service, Rod and Pauline pursued a degree in Physical Therapy at Stanford University. After finishing the Physical Therapy program, they moved their family to Salt Lake City. Rod and Pauline soon relocated to the East Millcreek area, where they raised their family and made many dear friends. Their home in Millcreek has become a haven of love and peace for their posterity and a magical place in the lives of their family members.

Rod was a devoted husband and father. He raised four children: Peggy, Barry, Laurie, and Misty. He was very involved in his childrens' lives and he balanced hard work with great fun. This created thousands of family memories. From boating, backpacking, and horseback riding to sports, hunting, and card games, he was always there with a witty joke and a smile.

Rod was very well-read and had a remarkable memory. He consumed thousands of books and could report on each if asked. His knowledge of history, geography, medicine, culture, and religion was extensive.

Every person was important to Rod. If he met you, he recognized you, learned details of your life, and remembered you forever. Outings to anywhere spontaneously became reunions, for he seemed to know someone everywhere he went.

Rod also had a deep love for his family gone before him. He spent much time devoted to learning about them and their lives. We are thrilled to know he was greeted by hundreds of his ancestors when he left this mortal life.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rod's love for Christ and His gospel was shown in the way he served. He built softball fields and chapels, organized sporting events, worked with youth and young people, and served in a wide variety of callings. We are grateful for the legacy of dedication and service that he left for us.

Our loving patriarch, Rod Coster, will be profoundly missed by his wife of 74 years, Pauline Taylor Coster, and his four children, Peggy (Hal) Morris, Barry Coster, Laurie (Scott) England, and Misty (Nate) Caruso. He is also loved by his two sisters Marilyn (Jerry) Keeling and Claudia Coster, as well as 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild soon to be born. Rod was greeted beyond the veil by his parents, his older brother, Russell Coster, and a sweet great-granddaughter, Katarina.

Funeral services will be held on October 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the East Millcreek 7th Ward chapel at 3408 Celeste Way, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84109. A viewing will take place before the funeral from 10:30-11:30 AM. An additional viewing will be held the night before from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the same building. Interment will follow the funeral at Wasatch Lawn.

For a live stream of the service please visit: https://youtube.com/live/kNybWRmOzcM?feature=share