Ida Kosanke

IDA KOSANKE
Kennewick, Wash.
Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home
A light in our heart has gone out, but the love she radiated to all of us still shines. An agreeable woman asking no questionspassing no criticisms. Driven by her passion for the people she loved so much, she touched our lives.
Ida Kosanke passed away on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2003, at the age of 86 at Kennewick General Hospital.
She was born on August 10, 1916 to Fred and Matilda (Mertz) Rossman in Kulm, North Dakota.
Ida married Theodore 'Ted' Kosanke, her husband of 63 years, in 1934. From stark beginnings, they made their life from simple pleasures.
During World War II, they both proudly worked to build several types of ships at the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver, Washington.
Ida and Ted moved from Vancouver in 1949, to work on the Hanford Project. They became longtime residents of Kennewick. They raised their daughters, Shirley and Della, and son, Dennis, as Ted worked as a
pipefitter, and Ida held various other jobs during her life.
An industrious soul, she led a modest life. She thoroughly enjoyed good times together with her family, 12 grandchildren and many friends. Quick wit and a spirit unequaled. This woman that could make you feel as if the sun were shining on you alone. Her power was in how she made each of us feel about ourselves. Her concerns were with people.
Ida retired as a lead lady from Rogers of Walla Walla (currently Lamb Weston of Pasco) in 1979. Her retirement was blessed and busy with great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Ida was an active member of Royal Neighbors of America in the Kennewick Camp for more than 50 years; and Althea Lodge of the Rebekah's for more than 50 years. During her life, she held the position of officer of all chairs several times in both organizations.
Ida was a faithful member of the Community Bible Church in Kennewick.
First in our hearts, second with endearing memories, she filled each of our lives so fully. She possessed integrity that embraced each opportunity with a full heart.
Her sense of humor was such a gift. You can lose a woman like this by your own death, but not by hers.
The poet, Aeschylus wrote, 'In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the grace of God.'
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ted; by her parents and she was the last of two sisters and three brothers.
Her daughters, Shirley Warren of Benton City, and Delaphine Farance of Kennewick and son, Dennis Kosanke and his wife, Kathy of San Diego survive Ida.
She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Julie Zavala and her husband Jesse of Benton City; Christine Kenyon of Benton City; Michael Warren of Richland, Diane Lewis and her husband Mark of Deer Park; Tami Long and her husband Darrell of Wenatchee; Lori Peterson and her husband Timothy of Wenatchee; Lisa Hill and her husband James of Wenatchee; Theodore Rieker and his wife Beth of Portland, Oregon. Jeri Kosanke of San Diego; Ronald Kosanke and his wife Michelle of San Diego; Kirsten Key and her husband Robert of San Diego; Aaron Kosanke of San Diego.
She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Desert Lawn Cemetery, Kennewick.
Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Ida's name to the Cambodian Mission Fund, Community Bible Church at 5807 W. Umatilla Ave. Kennewick, Washington.