Craig Raymond Koss

Craig Raymond Koss, 64, of Smiths Creek, passed away February 10, 2026. He was born October 25, 1961, in Tawas, MI, to the late Raymond Koss and Nancy Koss, formerly of Oscoda.

Craig grew up in Oscoda, where many of his favorite childhood memories on area waterways and woodlands were made with his parents and siblings, Douglas, Laurie, and Julie. He often recalled the image of two adults and four kids crowded into a small fishing boat on Long Lake, all casting for bass at once. This at times would result in someone getting "hooked."

Graduating from Oscoda High School in 1979, Craig swam competitively for four years. He earned a bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering from Ferris State University in 1984 and a master's degree in manufacturing engineering management from Kettering University in 1998. His 41-year career as a product engineer focused on engineering plastic parts for automotive suppliers.

On August 26, 1983, Craig married Theresa (Flynn) Koss, daughter of Daniel and June Flynn, also formerly of Oscoda. They made their home in St. Clair beginning in 1984, eventually moving to Smiths Creek, sharing more than forty wonderful years of marriage. He was a devotedly fun dad to his daughters, Ashley (1986), and Kaylie (1988), even letting them paint his nails and put clips in his hair. He coached their soccer teams, attended countless activities, and actively supported the girl scout troop, the band, the drama club, and the cheerleading & dance teams. He was the go-to dad.

Craig served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT and participated in numerous fundraising efforts, including support for HOPE Endeavor's orphan care center in Malawi, Africa. In 2025, he began volunteering for Operation Injured Soldiers as a host at Brave Hearts Estate for veterans.

His hobbies included flying kites, carving ducks and photography. He loved hunting and fishing, but "truth be told," he often went into the woods simply to enjoy the peace and quiet of mother nature. On one occasion, he even awoke to find a young fawn sniffing his ear.

He was known for his kind, good-natured spirit, along with his dry sense of humor. His understated wit, patience and gentle presence will most certainly be missed.

Craig is survived by his wife, Theresa Koss; daughter, Kaylie Koss; mother, Nancy Koss; siblings, Douglas (Colleen) Koss, Laurie Koss, and Julie (Daryl) Reedy; also, by his wife's father, Daniel Flynn; mother, June Flynn; and her siblings, Michael (Tamela) Flynn, James (Hani) Flynn, and David Flynn. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Koss and daughter, Ashley Koss.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution: either by mailing a check to Operation Injured Soldiers 22645 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI 48178 and enter on memo line: Operation Renewed Hope - Koss; or by credit card payment online at www.injuredsoldiers.org and enter in notes section: Operation Renewed Hope – Koss.

A celebration of Craig's life will be held at Grace Memorial Life Celebration Center, 4521 Ravenswood Rd, Kimball Twp, MI 48074, on March 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and dessert to be served.

A 2nd Celebration of Life and Memorial will be held in late spring in Saginaw, MI with a date and time to be announced.