Robert W. Koski

Robert W. Koski, age 90, of Iron River, MI, passed away Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Iron River Care Center. He was born August 15, 1925 in Phelps, WI, the son of the late Alex and Ida (Honkala) Koski. He attended the Stambaugh Schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1943. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII, and following his honorable discharge, returned to the Iron River area. Robert married the former Vergean Olson on March 4, 1950 in Phelps, WI, and the couple were lifelong residents of the Iron River area. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2005. Vergean preceded him in death on October 17, 2005. He was employed by the Northern Propane and retired from D.A. MacPherson in 1984. He also served as caretaker at Big Sand Lake Club for 45 years. Robert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River, the Elks Lodge, American Legion Alfred Branchini Post # 17, and VFW Ottawa Post #3134. He enjoyed playing golf and loved his vehicles. Robert is survived by his daughters, Deanna (J.D.) McKay of Iron River, Cheryl (Dick) Szcepanski of Little Suamico, WI, Cindy (Steve) Jurecic of Gaastra, Candy (Jim) Risberg of Iron River, Judy Bjorklund of Minneapolis, MN, and Karen Koski of Iron River; brother, Ray Kangas, of Phelps; brothers-in-law, Tom (Mel) Olson of Phelps, WI, and Terry (Geneva) Olson of Eagle River, WI; sisters-in-law, Sonia Jahn of Phelps, WI, and Barbara Downing of Green Bay, WI; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was also preceded in death his sons, Robert M. Koski in 1989, and Steve M. Koski in 1993, brother, Bill Koski, and sisters, Marie Martinkus and Ruth Koski. Visitation will be held Friday, January 8, 2016 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites following the visitation. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dawn Treado Green to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert W. Koski, please visit our flower store.