William Jerome Kosky

William "Bill" Kosky
August 8, 1925 - April 6, 2025
Preceded in death by wife Betsy and siblings Johnny, Ruth Riley and Betty Fischer.
Survived by sister Loretta OKrent and many nieces and nephews.
A proud World War II & Korean War veteran, Bill obtained permission to enlist in the Navy at age 17 and served from 1942 to 1951. He was a Gunner's Mate Second Class serving on the USS Milwaukee (PC 576) and USS Wright (AV 1). Bill regaled all with stories of his experiences in the Navy including his participation in Operation Neptune, the Naval component of Operation Overlord (D-Day), the allied invasion of France. Recordings of his interviews for the Bell Tower Memorial can be found as part of the Veterans History Project in the Library of Congress. Bill was a member of the Pewaukee Memorial Post 9537 (VFW).
Following his service in the Navy, Bill undertook an apprenticeship to become a carpenter, a career maintained into his 90's. He built and maintained both of his personal homes in meticulous fashion.
Bill loved traveling, venturing throughout the U.S. and to sites as far-reaching as Asia. He was an expert cribbage player and loyal Packers fan. Most importantly, Bill was a loyal family member and friend. He made his rounds every Saturday visiting each of his siblings; a ritual in which he ate muffins, drank coffee and discussed the topics of the week. Evenings found him socializing with his other family, loyal friends, at the "gin mill". Bill is survived by two faithful friends, Jerry Babe and Mark Gilbert. Thanks to them, Bill was supported to his final day with visits, games of cribbage and trips to the VFW, veteran's lunches and his favorite pub.
Bill's secret to longevity was never sitting still and drinking Budweiser every day!
Special thanks go to Heritage Lake Country and Brighton Hospice for their care of Bill.
A prolific philanthropist, Bill donated to charities with causes that were personal or important to him. Guide dog charities held special importance to Bill as his wife, Betsy, lost her vision as an adult but maintained her mobility and independence with the help of their guide dog, Duffer.
One may honor Bill via donating in his name to one of his favorite charities: The Seeing Eye or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Seeing Eye: Ways To Give – and mark "dedicate this donation".
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Online Donations - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and select "dedicate your gift".