DeCoster, Paul Francis

Paul Francis DeCoster, 76, died at home surrounded by family on July 13, 2010, following a challenging battle with cancer. A prayer vigil and funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grass Valley, Calif., on July 19.

Paul leaves his wife of 55 years, Joan (Burmeister); his children, Debra (Frank Daugherty), Kevin (Tracey), Philip (Kathleen) and Thomas (Veronica); siblings, Eugene, Robert (Evie), Joan (Robert Stevens), Rita (Stuart Ashmead) and Richard (Carol); nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ruth (DeShepper) DeCoster.

Paul was born in Victor, Iowa, on April 5, 1934. After high school, he served four years in the U.S. Navy. He and Joan were married March 1, 1955.

Paul worked as an aerospace engineer for TRW in California, Colorado, and Australia. After retiring, he and Joan moved to Penn Valley, Calif. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling, baseball, building model airplanes, wood carving, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Paul's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of the Foothills.