******************CHANGE IN SERVICES**********

Wilbur Koistinen, 95, of Hayti, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown.

In consideration of public health concerns, there has been a change in visitation and funeral arrangements. There will be a private family visitation Monday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Public viewing, with no services, will be held Monday, March 16, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 PM at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, in rural Lake Norden. Private family funeral and graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm.

Wilbur was born on July 2, 1924, in rural Bryant, SD, to Arvid and Mildred (Kangas) Koistinen. At a young age, his family moved to rural Hayti. Wilbur attended country school and graduated from Hayti High School in 1941. He was interested in farming throughout his life. He began farming with his father, and later farmed with his sons. Wilbur was united in marriage to Lillian Heidegger on October 25, 1952, in Brush Prairie, WA. They set a wonderful example of love and caring for each other. The couple was blessed with seven sons and four daughters.

At a young age, Wilbur was pressed into the labor of the Christianity, in which he served faithfully for many years. With his gifts, he fastened our hearts to the Firstborn Congregation, which was born anew during our period in Swedish Lapland. He was found faithful by the congregation to be sent on many missions to the Christian localities in the United States and Canada. He also made several trips to Swedish Lapland, where he was sent to unite the labor in the Christianity of America to the Mother Congregation there. He endeavored to labor in the unity of Spirit and in the bond of peace, together with the Elders of Swedish Lapland, to bring forth the doctrine of Christ throughout his long day of labor.

Wilbur is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lillian; his children Debra (Dale) Kopman of Hayti, SD, Raymond (Corine) Koistinen of Woodland, WA, Richard (Sharon) Koistinen of Hayti, SD, Sandra (Ben) Blakeman of Hayti, SD, Larry (Roseanna) Koistinen of Belle Fourche, SD, Harold (Rachel) Koistinen of Hayti, SD, Jerald (Charlyn) Koistinen of Hayti, SD, James (Jill) Koistinen of Woodland, WA, Judy (Rich) Ritola of Battle Ground, WA, Ronald (Deedee) Koistinen of Hayti, SD, and Kristi (Derek) Kysar of Yacolt, WA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law Ruth Koistinen, of Lake Norden, SD; and a host of relatives and friends.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Byron Koistinen; one grandchild, Nathan Koistinen; and two sons-in-law, Loren Kysar and Craig Haak.