Leonard J. Koski

Leonard J. Koski, 87, of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at the Virginia Convalescent Care Center and is now with his loved ones who passed before him. Leonard was born in Virginia, MN on June 27, 1925 to Alma and Frank Koski and later moved to Florenton, MN to the family homestead at the age of four. He served in the US Navy and married Violet Niemi and resided in Bremerton, WA before moving to Sparta Location. He lived in Sparta until 2008 and enjoyed years of gardening, working in his yard and hosting barbeques for family and friends. He loved fishing at Daisy Bay Landing each year and hunting with his son at the farm in Florenton. He worked as a truck driver for US Steel and was an engineer on the trains at MinnTac Mine for years before retiring. Leonard was a member of the Gilbert VFW Post and the American Legion Post in Virginia. He was also a member of United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth. Many thanks to Pastor Joel for his friendship, comfort and support to Leonard throughout the years as the visits were very much appreciated by dad. He is survived by his son, James (Judy) Koski of Long Lake; daughter, JoAnne Olafson of Duluth; three grandchildren: Chris, Lori and Reagan; great grandchildren: Meghan, Anders, Sophia, Erik, Nikolas, Davin, and twins, Evelyn and Ida; numerous nieces and nephews. A private family burial took place on Monday, August 27, 2012 in the Gilbert Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to United in Christ Lutheran Church building fund in Eveleth, MN. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.