Jerry Koosman, the legendary New York Mets pitcher and 1969 World Series champion, is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and two brothers. The former Major League Baseball star died on November 1, 2026, at the age of 83, at his home in Osceola, Wisconsin. His family was reportedly by his side during his final moments. While Koosman was celebrated for his achievements in baseball, his obituary also revealed the close family relationships and quiet personal life he valued throughout his retirement.
Jerry Koosman’s Family
Jerry Koosman’s immediate family includes his sons Michael and Shawn Koosman and his daughter Danielle Tamblyn.
He was also a grandfather to four grandchildren and maintained close relationships with his surviving brothers.
His family played an important role in his life beyond professional baseball.
Although Koosman spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level of the sport, he eventually settled into a quieter lifestyle in Wisconsin.
His obituary reflected the importance of family gatherings, outdoor activities, and spending time with the people closest to him.
His Three Children
Koosman raised three children with his former wife, LaVonne Sorum.
His children are Michael Koosman, Shawn Koosman, and Danielle Tamblyn.
According to the family obituary, Michael is married to Christine, while Shawn is married to Kimberly.
His daughter Danielle is married to John Tamblyn.
Unlike their father, whose baseball career brought national recognition, his children have generally maintained lives outside the professional sports spotlight.
They were among the loved ones identified in the announcement following his death.
Their presence in his life remained significant long after his retirement from Major League Baseball.
His Four Grandchildren
Jerry Koosman was the grandfather of four grandchildren: Riley, Colton, Katlyn, and Dalton.
His grandchildren were named in the obituary published after his passing.
Although their individual lives have remained largely private, they were an important part of his extended family.
Koosman’s retirement years gave him opportunities to spend more time with loved ones after decades of demanding professional commitments.
His family remembered him not only as an accomplished athlete but also as a father and grandfather.
The obituary’s inclusion of his grandchildren highlighted the generations of family members who survive him.
Who Was His Wife?
Jerry Koosman was previously married to LaVonne Sorum.
The couple married in 1967, around the time Koosman was beginning his Major League Baseball career.
Their marriage lasted approximately 36 years before ending in divorce in 2003.
During those years, Koosman developed into one of the most recognizable pitchers in New York Mets history.
The couple also raised their three children while his baseball career took him across the country.
Following their divorce, Koosman generally kept details of his personal relationships away from public attention.
His obituary focused primarily on his children, grandchildren, siblings, and other surviving relatives.
His Parents
Koosman was born on December 23, 1942, in Minnesota.
His parents were Martin Koosman and Lydia Koosman, whose maiden name was Graese.
Martin worked as a farmer, while Lydia was a homemaker.
Growing up in a farming family helped shape Koosman’s early life before he became a professional athlete.
His background was very different from the national attention he would later receive as a member of the New York Mets.
Both of his parents preceded him in death.
Their names were included in his obituary as part of the family’s remembrance of his life.
His Brothers
Jerry Koosman is survived by two brothers, Orville Koosman and Elton Koosman.
Elton’s wife, Clarice, was also identified among the surviving family members.
The brothers shared a family history rooted in Minnesota, where Jerry spent his early years.
Although his professional baseball career eventually made him a household name among sports fans, his family connections remained part of his personal identity.
His obituary also mentioned relatives who died before him.
These included his sister, Violet Dilly, and her husband, Bob.
His sister-in-law, Darlene Koosman, was also remembered among the deceased family members.
Life in Wisconsin
After his professional baseball career ended, Koosman enjoyed a quieter lifestyle in Osceola, Wisconsin.
His retirement years were shaped by outdoor activities and spending time with family.
He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and cooking, according to his obituary.
These interests reflected a life that extended well beyond the baseball diamond.
Koosman had spent years traveling between cities and playing under the pressure of professional competition.
Retirement allowed him to devote more attention to familiar surroundings and personal interests.
He remained a recognizable figure in baseball history while enjoying a more private daily routine.
His Dog Buddy
One of the more personal details included in Koosman’s obituary concerned his beloved dog, Buddy.
Buddy was described as a loyal companion who frequently remained close to him.
The mention offered a glimpse into Koosman’s everyday life away from stadiums and public appearances.
While fans remembered him for his pitching performances, those closest to him also knew him through ordinary routines and companionship.
His affection for Buddy became part of the family’s tribute.
It was a reminder that the former baseball star valued simple pleasures alongside his remarkable sporting achievements.
His Final Days
Jerry Koosman died on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at age 83.
Reports indicated that he had experienced declining health and several illnesses during the preceding year.
He had also undergone multiple hospitalizations before returning home.
His death occurred at his Wisconsin residence, where family members were reportedly present.
For his children and grandchildren, the loss was deeply personal.
For baseball supporters, it marked the passing of one of the defining players from the Mets’ first championship team.
His family’s obituary emphasized the relationships and experiences that shaped his life outside professional sports.
Baseball Legacy
Koosman became famous as a key member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, who won the franchise’s first World Series championship.
He delivered a memorable complete-game victory against the Baltimore Orioles in Game 5 of the World Series.
The image of Koosman celebrating with catcher Jerry Grote remains one of the most recognizable moments in Mets history.
During his 19-year MLB career, he recorded 222 wins, 2,556 strikeouts, and a 3.36 earned run average.
The Mets retired his number 36 in 2021, recognizing his lasting contribution to the franchise.
His achievements ensured that his name would remain closely connected with New York baseball.
Latest Family Update
As of November 2, 2026, Jerry Koosman’s family has publicly confirmed his death and identified his surviving relatives.
His three children are Michael Koosman, Shawn Koosman, and Danielle Tamblyn. His four grandchildren are Riley, Colton, Katlyn, and Dalton. His surviving brothers are Orville and Elton Koosman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Lydia, along with other family members.
While his baseball career made him a celebrated figure across generations, his obituary revealed a man who also valued family, companionship, and life outdoors.
Jerry Koosman’s legacy belongs not only to the New York Mets and baseball history but also to the family who knew him as a father, grandfather, and brother.
