Melvin L. Koski

Melvin L. Koski, age 71, of Cloquet, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, in his home. He was born Jan. 4, 1932, in Cloquet, to Matt and Mary Koski. Mel was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Esko High School in 1950. He was united in marriage to Virginia 'Ginger' Thill on June 16, 1955, at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church, in Cloquet. Mel served in the US Navy during the Korean War. After the service, Mel worked for the Northwest Paper Company/Potlatch Corporation for 43 years retiring in 1992 as an office controller. He was a member of St. Mattew's Lutheran Church in Esko, the Carl Anderson American Legion Post 262, the Hebert-Kennedy VFW Post 3979 and served on the Cloquet Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1163, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1274, the Finlandia Club, the Moonlighters Camping Club, the Potlatch Quarter Century Club, Thursday Night Cribbage League, and former member of the Cloquet Ski Flees Snowmobiling Club. Mel also served on the Board of Directors for the Potlatch Credit Union, was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and was a volunteer guide for the Disabled Veterans 'Vets on the Lake Fishing Program'. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter Teresa Marie; brothers Eino and Edward Koski; sisters Helmi Tan, May Jarvi, Ailie Puttinen, Veino Oja, and Evelyn Welton. He is survived by his wife Virginia 'Ginger'; two sons Jeff (Karen) Koski of Fort Collins, Colo., and Jon Koski of Cloquet; four grandchildren Parnell, Page, Marissa, and Shawn Koski; one sister-in-law Elaine Koski of Proctor; special friends Katny Stangle; and her sons Dan and Tim of Cloquet; and many nieces and nephews. VISITATIONThursday, Jan. 16, 2003, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Nelson Funeral Care, in Cloquet. Visitation will continue on Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service, in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, in Esko, with Rev. Jeff Walther officiating. Inurnment service will be Monday at New Calvary Cemetery, in Cloquet. Full Military Honors will be presented by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet. Memorials are preferred to the Disabled American Veterans, 'Veterans on the Lake' fishing program.