Richard Coster, DVM

Richard “Dick’ Coster, a prominent Rock Island veterinarian for nearly 45 years, passed away at his Fyre Lake home on October 7, 2021. A wildlife enthusiast, model of self-reliance and generous friend.

Dick was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm in Little Rock, Illinois, where he developed  a lifelong love of nature and animals. After earning his degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois. Dick owned and operated The Rock Island Animal Hospital, from 1958 until the age of 72.

Dick and his then wife Virginia, now deceased, raised three children. They recall a father who stressed the importance of education and always supported their individual interests. In 1998 he married, Sandria Doeckel, the love of his life, now deceased.

For others, “Doc Coster” will be most remembered as an accomplished fisherman and hunter. He regularlycaught crappie, bass and muskie, seemingly at will. And, at the age of 88, he successfully downed, and field dressed a deer by himself. Although he loved nothing better than to sit on his deck and watching the sun set over the lake. Dick’s love of the outdoors could coax him to travels that ranged from Alaska to Central America.

The Coster family will be holding a private celebration of Dick’s life, Saturday the 16th of October at 1123 Fjord View Dr. Sherrard, IL, from 3 to 7pm.

Survivors include his Son and best friend, John Coster (Connie), Sherrard, IL, Diane Wilson, San Marcos, California, Jim Coster (Suzanne), Manhattan, Kansas; grandchildren, Bailey Wilson, California, Miranda Mendoza (Zyon Vela’zquez), Rock Island, Terance Mendoza, Moline; great grandchildren, Olivia Mendoza (Griffin Stephenson), Moline, Ayden Mendoza, Moline, Oshen Indie and Isha Mejia, Rock Island; and special friend Miriam Glendon, Sherrard.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Coster, DVM, please visit our floral store.