Austrid V. Koshar

Funeral service for Austrid Viola Koshar, 92, formerly of Gilbert, will be 11:00am Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth with Pastor John Dietz officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.  Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Austrid died Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at New Journey Residence in Biwabik, Minnesota.

Austrid was born August 5, 1929 in Duluth, Minnesota to Peter and Myrtle (Haglin) Plaggerman.  Austrid was raised in Sandstone, Minnesota and was a 1942 graduate of Sandstone High School.  Later, she received her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

On July 2, 1952 she married Daniel Koshar in Sandstone, Minnesota.  She began her teaching career in Gilbert and later transferred to Mesabi East Elementary School in Aurora.  She retired in 1985 with 36 years of teaching. 

Austrid was a member of United Lutheran Church in Gilbert where she served on church council and as a reader.  She was a member of the Retired Educator and Administrators Association and auxiliary member of the George and Mark Klobuchar VFW Post in Gilbert.

You always knew where Tootie stood on issues.  She was not afraid to let that be known.  She was feisty, sometimes loud, and loved a good time.  She will be missed dearly. 

Austrid is survived by her brother Carl (Beverly) Johnson, her & Dan’s nieces, nephews, & their families: Marianne (Robert) Jensen, Michael (Patricia) Pavelich, Jack (Mary Jean) Pavelich; Teresa (John) Joern; and Lynn (Mike) Leas. 

Although not related to Ralph Nikunen’s family by marriage or biologically, they were very much a part of her life.  She is also survived by:  Sharon (James) Bertucci, Michelle Bradach and Jaqueline Nikunen; Bernie Nikunen, and Duane (Candie) Nikunen; Ralph’s thirteen grandchildren: Nicholas (Mandi) Skrbec, Sara (Donald) Malewitz, Tara (Sam) Stanisich, Ginny Burdue, James (Mandy) Bertucci, Mark (Cindy) Bradach, Nathan (Jordan) Nikunen, Alan (Danielle) Mattson, Nikki Nikunen, Brad  Nikunen, Brittany (Kyle) Nanti, Kacee Nikunen, Tanner Nikunen, and many great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father, Peter Plaggerman, mother, Myrtle Johnson, step-father, Alfred Johnson, her husband, Daniel in 1991 and her sweetheart, Ralph Nikunen.

The family wishes to thank New Journey Residence, Biwabik, MN for the care given to Austrid during her eleven years there.  Your patience, care, and professionalism are truly appreciated. 

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Austrid V. Koshar, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.