John David Koski

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - John David Koski, 73, a long-time resident of Anvil Location, Bessemer Township, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at his residence.

John was born on Dec. 18, 1944, in Anvil, the son of Francis Oscar and Betty Ann (Kyllonen) Koski. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1963.

Following graduation, John worked at Briggs & Stratton Corporation in Milwaukee, Wis. After returning to Anvil, he worked at the Universal Machine Company and Bessemer Plywood Corporation. John was a self-employed logger for many years, but he was the happiest when he was farming.

John took great pleasure participating in the Gogebic County Fair and was an exhibitor for 50 years. He was one of four local farmers, who founded the Gogebic County 4-H Market Livestock Group. John always supported and encouraged the 4-H program. In 2016, the auction surpassed the $1 million in total sales. It was a momentous day for John and the youth.

John is survived by two cherished sisters, Donna (Bill) Albertson, Ashland, Wis., and Frances (David) Walli, Menomonee Falls, Wis., his devoted brother-in-law, Jim Rundell, Menomonee Falls; and numerous dear nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Beverly Rundell, on Oct. 6, 2004.

The family is honoring John's life in a private funeral service.

Interment will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, in the spring.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.