Harris D. Kost

As his family says, “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” A friend to all, a hero to his sons, a beloved husband of 71 years to Phyllis, he was a man who lived his life with God, his family, and his country in his heart.

Harris Dean “Harry” Kost died peacefully on January 28, 2022, at the astounding age of 98, surrounded by family and loved by all who knew him. He was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on June 16, 1923 to Henry H. Kost and Lydia Mae Edinger Kost. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated from North High School in January 1941. Like others in the “greatest generation”, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve Officer’s Training Camp at the University of Minnesota in 1942 and served in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, he returned to college to earn his BS and BBA degrees and joined the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity where he eventually became president.

After graduating from college, Harry was recruited to work for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio in 1947. Little did he know, the job with Goodyear would change his life forever. He was transferred to Mankato, Minnesota in 1949 where he spotted the “love of his life” Phyllis Jones, walking with a friend downtown. The rest they say, is history. They were married on December 30, 1950 and lived “happily ever after” between Minnesota and Iowa until moving permanently to Lansing in 1963. Along the way, Harry and Phyllis had three beautiful sons, or “My Three Sons” as they often called them: Thomas “Tom” Dean Kost (Christine) from Wayne, Illinois, James “Jim” Jones Kost (Lisa) from Okemos and William “Bill” Henden Kost (Martha) from Williamston, Michigan.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marian Thorson (Loren, deceased) and daughter-in-law Joanne Vitulli Kost (Tom). Harry leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Phyllis, his beloved brother, Don Kost (Dawn) and several nephews and nieces, his beautiful sister-in-law, Beverly Bush (Harvey, deceased), all three of his sons (Tom, Jim and Bill), his grandchildren Alexa Sindelar (Craig), Nicholas Kost, Jennifer Kost, Rebecca Kost, Sarah Kebler (Michael) and Aaron Wilson (Carly) and Daniel Wilson. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Kennedy (13), Charlotte (9), Lincoln (2) and Harper (1) who brought tremendous joy to his life.

Harry’s loving family inherits his long legacy of community service. Harry and Phyllis were charter members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lansing, where he became the president of the Church Council before becoming permanent members at University Lutheran in East Lansing. He was a sixty-five-year member of Kiwanis Club where he served as president - started the Golden K Club - and recruited a record 103 members. As a result of his service, he received the prestigious Hixson Award. He also volunteered countless hours to the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels in Lansing.

In addition to his church, his family and his community, Harry loved competitive bridge and golf with family and friends. He loved watching son, Bill, play varsity golf at MSU and in several USGA tournaments (Harry shot his “own age” into his ‘80’s) and supporting his Michigan State University Spartans - Go Green Go White!. He also proudly wore his Minnesota Gophers garb on special occasions, especially when they played the University of Michigan.

He will be deeply missed, but always in our hearts - just the way he intended it.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman. Visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00 pm on Friday, February 11, at the Gorsline Runciman Chapel in East Lansing and from 11:00 – 12:00 am on February 12, at University Lutheran Church, followed by the service at noon.

The family requests that masks be worn at all times.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harry’s name to the following: Downtown Lansing Kiwanis Club Foundation, 4787 Tartan Lane, Holt, MI 48842, or the Salvation Army, 525 N. Pennsylvania, Lansing, MI 48912.