Patrick Ray Kokoska

1944 - 2023

Patrick Ray Kokoska, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, friend, and mentor passed away at the age of 78 on Resurrection morning, April 9, 2023.

Pat was born on July 12, 1944, to John and Clara Kokoska.

Pat has one younger sister, Myra. Pat met Mae Jean Faith Hainley while studying at the University of Pittsburgh. They were married on August 21, 1965, and had three sons Evan, David, and Scott.

Pat was well known for his intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge. His early mathematical skills brought him to chemical engineering. After five years at Merck, he moved to Terre Haute, Indiana to work for Pfizer. Pat was esteemed as a smart, fair, and kind manager, who led with integrity and worked to implement innovative processes for the benefit of the plant. Throughout his time in Terre Haute, Pat led in his church as an elder and teacher. Pat and his wife also served at shelters and for many years with Prison Fellowship at the state penitentiary. Pat loved the woodlands, where he enjoyed hunting, photography and forestry management . Pat retired early from Pfizer after 33 years to focus on ministries at his church and ministry travels with his wife to Slovakia. Above all, Pat sought God's face and will for his life.

Pat loved his wife and family dearly, serving as a role model and mentor for his sons, daughters-in-law, and eleven grandchildren. Pat loved dwelling in Scripture. One of his favorite verses, Isaiah 12:2 explains the reason and source for his life, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."

Pat is survived by his loving wife, Jean; three sons, Evan (wife Mimi, children Sam and Ryan), David (wife Kristy, children Ella and Jack), and Scott (wife Carrie, children Ethan, Kate, Annie, Lilli, Caleb, Joshua, and Jonah); and his sister, Myra Foster.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held Friday, April 14, at World Gospel Church in Terre Haute, IN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Compassion International via the website: www.compassion.com/patrickkokoska. If sending by mail, checks should be made out to Compassion International and sent to Compassion International, Attn: Memorial Gift Pat Kokoska, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. In the memo or note portion of the check, write "Memorial Gift Pat Kokoska". Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Condolences may be made at www.arnmortuary.com.