Richard "Dick" W. Koski, Sr.

Chatham

            Richard “Dick” William Koski, Sr., age 77, of Chatham, died Saturday, March 4, 2023 at his home under the loving care of his family, North Woods Home Hospice, and watchful eye of his furry companion Kizzy.  Dick was born on June 12, 1945 in Munising to the late Walter and Elma (Paajanen) Koski.  He grew up on his family farm in Chatham and was a stand out athlete at Eben High School in basketball and track and field. He graduated in 1963.  Dick worked a short time at Brisson’s Saw Mill before moving downstate to work at Pontiac Motors.  He married Penny Bauman on October 30, 1965 and together they raised their four children.  The family moved back to the UP where Dick started working at Hartho before starting his thirty-five year career at Kimberly Clark where he worked as a mason and carpenter, retiring in 2003.  In 2005, Dick started his second career as a bus driver for Altran.  He loved driving bus and visiting with all of his passengers.  He was a real people person. Dick was a member of the Pictured Rocks Golf and Country Club where he played in Thursday night leagues, and his team were three-peat champions.  Dick’s basketball skill carried on past high school as he played in the Eben League into his 50’s. Dick enjoyed hunting, building projects, mowing the lawn, plowing, boat rides with his family, and trips to the casino with Penny. 

            Dick is survived by his wife Penny Koski of Chatham, daughter  Kristina (Todd) Vantassel of Chili, Wisconsin, son David (Tania) Koski of Chatham, eight grandchildren: Jared Koski, Mitchel (Anna) Kowis, Spencer Kowis, Kayleigh Vantassel, Janel (Josh) Rottscheit, T.J. Vantassel, and Jeremy and Garrett Koski, and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Elma, son Richard “Rich” Koski, Jr., daughter Karen (Tim) Clark; brother Ray Koski, sister Maria (Ken) Hill, and in-laws Bill and Pearl Bauman.

            Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.  Pastor Paul Kelto will then conduct Dick’s funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in the spring.  

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