Rickey Lee Koster

Rickey Lee Koster was never one to sit idly by when there was something to build, a game of pool to be played, or a machine waiting to be tinkered with. Whether he was shaping metal in his workshop, buzzing the skies with his favorite drone, “Bugsy,” or lining up a sharp shot on the pool table, Rickey approached life with steady hands, curiosity, and an easygoing warmth. On August 4th, 2026, Rickey passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, adventure, and cherished memories.

Rickey was born on February 9, 1955, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was born into a proud family heritage. His parents, Johnny and Donna Koster, immigrated from Holland in 1922 to build a life in Idaho Falls. Growing up in the area, Rickey attended local schools and graduated from Bonneville High School in 1973.

A dedicated and skilled worker, Rickey spent almost 2 decades at the Idaho National Laboratory before earning a well-deserved retirement. To Rickey, retiring didn’t mean slowing down, it simply gave him more daylight for the things he loved most. He was a master of hands-on creativity; metalworking was not just a hobby, but an art, and he never passed up an opportunity to take on a project and build something with his own two hands.

After spending most of his life rooted in Idaho Falls, Rickey retired to sunny St. George, Utah. There, he embraced the warmth and quickly became a beloved fixture in the local community, spending countless days on the pickleball courts, around the pool tables, and flying Bugsy overhead. He also loved exploring the world with those closest to him, soaking in the sunshine and making unforgettable memories on family trips to Hawaii, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Above all, Rickey cherished the close relationships in his life. He is survived by his loving partner, Patti; his son, Cameron; and his older brother, Val.

He is reunited in peace with his parents, Johnny and Donna, and his beloved older sister, Sheryl.

Rickey’s inventive mind, welcoming spirit, and warm presence will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service celebrating Rickey’s life will take place in Idaho Falls at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.

To honor Rick and his memory: Memorial donations may be made in Rickey’s honor to CancerCare at cancercare.org/tribute. Donations made to this organization help provide free counseling, support groups, resource navigation, and direct financial aid to families navigating cancer.