Jerome Kosterman

June 20, 1941 — October 27, 2025

Jerome George Kosterman, 84, was the first of six children born (June 20, 1941) to George and Evelyn (nee Hennes) Kosterman of Richfield, Wisconsin. From the start he was open to change.

Dad wanted the name Jim, but did not like the formal name James, so he was christened Jerome and became "Jim" to family and classmates at St. Hubert Grade School. He attended Pius High School, the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, MATC, and Manpower. That was followed by a short stint in the army.

His education was in computers, history and urban studies but one of his jobs was working as a rural mail carrier, leading to being sworn in as the youngest Postmaster of Wisconsin, in Richfield. Known as "Jery" to friends, he looked to other options and ended his work career as a tool and dye machinist and a part-time landlord.

Throughout his life he loved to travel. He began by motorcycling around Europe, later taking a safari class in central Africa and more recently a cruise along the Alaskan coastline.

Stateside it was an annual trip to Summerfest and fishing trips with long-time friends to South Dakota, to Lake Erie and to other hot spots. He loved life at Friess Lake and socializing with friends at Wally and Bee's Resort. Each spring he spent time at a time share at Panama City Beach, Florida.

Throughout his life he continued to self-educate by extensive reading and ordering "Great Courses." He was a passionate poet gathering his thoughts in brief insightful poems. With a vocabulary as expansive as his intellect, he brought meaning, humor, and depth to every conversation.

He was generous in heart, and was artistic; not just in how he sketched or wrote, but also in how he thought. Until his stroke he had enjoyed golfing in a local league and playing cards including competitive cribbage.

As the oldest sibling he was the family patriarch and a faithful St. Gabriel parishioner.

Jerome Kosterman passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. He was a beloved son, dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend to many, and cared deeply for his family and friends.

Predeceased by his mother and father, two sisters (Diane Brahm and Janice Jilling) and one brother-in-law: Kevin Schmitt.

He is survived by one brother, Donald (Phyllis) Kosterman, and two sisters, Linda (Bob) Binder, and Elaine Schmitt. He is further survived by brother-in-laws Jake Jilling and Jerry Brahm and cherished friend Marion Allen.

He was a beloved uncle to: Erin, Kevin, Megan, Kelsey, Jason, Jeff, Amanda, Lisa, Karen, Susan, Janet, David, Sarah, Kristin, Jenny, Andy, Katie and Maggie, and many great nieces and nephews.

A visitation/celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November. 6 at Schramka Funeral Home, W164 N9034 Water St., Menomonee Falls, WI. from 5 to 7 p.m. with a short service with memory sharing.

Funeral services will be Friday, Nov. 7, with visitation at 10:30 a.m.until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30, with luncheon to follow at St. Gabriel Church, 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus, Wi.

Interment will be at a later date at St. Hubert Cemetery, 3727 Hubertus Rd., Hubertus, WI. Thanks to all Jery's health care providers at Aurora and Froedtert Hospitals and clinics, Brookdale Assisted Living, Transitions and Interim Health Care and Brighton Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a charity of their choice. Masses said in his name are also appreciated.

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