Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:
Barbara J. (Ozzie) Koski, 76, a resident of Osma Plat Rd., Houghton passed away Sunday, October 18, 2020, at her home following a courageous four-year battle with cancer.
She was born on June 10, 1944, in Ann Arbor, MI, a daughter of the late John and Ethel (Allen) Yeakel. Barb was raised in Dexter, MI, where she graduated from the Dexter High School with the class of 1962. She then received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Central Michigan University.
Barbara began a career teaching Home economics in the West Iron County Public Schools. In 1970, she started working for the Michigan State University Extension office serving Houghton, Ontonagon, Baraga and Keweenaw Counties as a Home Economist retiring in 1995. In retirement, Barb enjoyed being a substitute teacher for the EB Holman Schools.
On July 12, 1980, she was united in marriage to Ozzie Koski. The couple had resided in Osma Plat since that time.
Mrs. Koski was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton. Barb was very active and had many interests and hobbies such as studying local history, genealogy and scrapbooking. She enjoyed being in the outdoors picking blueberries, Hiking, cross country skiing, fishing with her husband and daughter, going for pontoon rides, or taking her scamp camping at the drop of a hat. Barb loved spending time with her grandchildren. And visiting with her Agate Harbor family. She enjoyed volunteering with the Stanton Township Senior Citizens, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly and the Keweenaw County Historical Society. Barbara helped research the US Life Saving Service and gave many presentations and received awards for her efforts. She also helped open a museum in Eagle Harbor for the US Life Saving Service (Coast Guard).
Preceding her in death were her parents and her aunt Mim Yeakel.
Surviving are:
Her husband: Ozzie Koski of Osma Plat
Her daughter: Melissa (Alan) Juntunen of Pelkie
Her step-son: Jared (Bobby Jo) Hoffenbecker of Mosinee, WI
Her grandchildren: Allison, Julie and Matthew Juntunen, Brenden and Jade Hoffenbecker
Her sisters: Amy (Don) Slagle of Goodrich, MI
Beth Berenter of Ann Arbor
Her brother-in-law: Clark (Joyce) Koski of Chassell
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends
Her warrior sisters
A Memorial Service for barb will be held 3 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton with Pastor Eric Falker to officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery at a later time.
Friends may call on Monday, October 26, 2020, from 4 to 7:00 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and on Tuesday from 2:00 pm until time of services at Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton. All attending the visitation and services are requested to following all proper Social Distancing Guidelines.
To view Barb’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.
