James P. 'Gordy' Koski

TOMAHAWK, Wis. - James P. "Gordy" Koski, 67, of Tomahawk, died peacefully at his home on April 29, 2019, just a week before his 68th birthday.

Gordy was born to Gordon and Genevieve (Gay) Koski in Ironwood, Mich., on May 3, 1951. He played football for the Ironwood Red Devils at Luther L. Wright High School and graduated from St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood in 1969 and Gogebic Community College in 1971.

On May 5, 1979, he married Arlene Sell.

The majority of his working life was spent at Packaging Corporation of America. After his retirement, Gordy was able to pursue his true passions. He traveled locally and abroad, visiting family and friends in Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin, the Carolinas, Arizona, Minnesota, and throughout Canada, Finland and the Netherlands. Wherever he went, he made new friends and loved to fish and golf in those locales.

A proficient golfer, Gordy was known for the famous "Gordy Bounce," where a bad shot miraculously ends up near the green after careening through many and varied obstacles.

His love of the outdoors allowed him to catch more fish than most could ever dream of catching and to enjoy decades of deer hunting seasons at the Belliveau hunting camp. Gordy loved all things social and competitive: darts, sporting events, cribbage, betting pools, potlucks (did he ever bring anything?) and saunas, and could tell stories that were at least 75 percent true.

Gordy is survived by his sisters, Jaclyn (Bruce) Barna, of Houghton, Mich. and Joanie Nelson, of Candler, N.C .; nieces, Kathryn Barna (Zach Tamminen), of Minneapolis, Minn., and Nicole Barna (Tim Burnham), of Larsen.

Gordy's company was enjoyed by all and he and his stories and jokes will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.

Please join his family in remembering Gordy and celebrating his life on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 2 p.m. Until then, raise a glass of your favorite beverage in memory of Gordy who would be most appreciative of your love and caring.

Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Gordy's obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.