Wayne P. Koski

1951 - 2025

Wayne P. Koski

February 11, 1951 - January 11, 2025

IRON RIVER, MI - Wayne P. Koski, 73, of Iron River, Michigan, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, in the company of his family, at Aurora Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant, Wis.

Born on February 11, 1951, Wayne was the son of Konstant Koski, Jr. and Leona (nee Beckman) Koski. He grew up living on Sunset Lake near Iron River, Mich., where he frequently swam across the lake with his five brothers. He graduated from West Iron County High School, Class of 1969. After high school, he moved to Racine, Wis.

In 1982, he married Kitty Giles. They made their home in Kenosha County where he planted a literal forest and built a figurative zoo. With his family, he planted over 5,000 trees and raised animals including exotic pheasants, donkeys, arctic foxes and others. He and his family were active in 4-H. Kitty preceded him in death in 2004.

Wayne was a dedicated and skilled worker, employed by AMC, Chrysler, Snap-On, and Kenosha County. He was a proud member of UAW Local 72. He was noted for consistently arriving to work a minimum of 15 minutes ahead of schedule. He did not want to be known for only showing up early for coffee.

Wayne retired from Chrysler in 2005. He was grateful to spend the next 20 years building a life with Lois Lathrop. The highlights of which were doting on their grandchildren and traveling. Wayne visited 47 of the 50 states and vacationed through a hurricane. He enjoyed nature, fishing, and good conversation. Wayne will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to family and friends.

Wayne is survived by his partner, Lois Lathrop; children, Carina Koski, Wayne R. (Lisa) Koski, Miranda (Bill) Koski, Adrian "AJ" (Shari) Koski, Koi (Melissa) Lathrop and MaryEllen (Chris) Sanders; grandchildren, Dakota, Tala, Katelyn, Kole, Braylen, Rayna, Eliza, Parker, Hadley, Reese, Ainsley, Lacey and Kylie. He is also survived by his four brothers, Roy (Leanne) Koski, David (Donna) Koski, Glen (Joy) Koski and Ben (Carolyn) Koski. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Seth Sanders; son-in-law, Robert Flesher; brother, John Koski; and nephew, Joe Koski.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the Aurora Hospital System for their care during this time.

Memorial Service will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home in Union Grove, Wis. Relatives and friends can visit with the family beginning at 4 p.m. with a brief service at 7 p.m. Burial will take place in the future at Bates Township Cemetery near Iron River, Mich.

Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory

908 – 11th Ave.

Union Grove, WI 53182

262-878-2011