Roy A. Koski

Roy was born in Palmer, MI, on February 11, 1936, son of Andrew and Senia (Helberg) Koski. He grew up in Palmer and was a graduate of the Negaunee High School. Roy attended Michigan Technological University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, and Geological Engineering.

Roy’s working career started with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company as Geologist at the Bunker Hill Mine, then as Metallurgist at the CCI Research Pilot Plant, followed by Metallurgist at the Humboldt Mine. In 1971, he was assigned Chief Metallurgist to the R&D research laboratory and Pilot Plant. In 1972, he spent 6 months in Australia during the start-up of the Robe River Pelletizing Plant. In 1978, he became Assistant Manager of Research and Development, and in 1983, was promoted to Manager of Engineering Services until his retirement from Cliffs, in 1987, with 30 years of service.

Roy had a lifelong interest in building construction and built a camp, 3 homes, and an apartment building. In retirement he opened County Building Supply, in Marquette, which he operated, until 2004.

Roy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, serving as usher and on the Finance Board. He enjoyed hosting his annual summer fish boil at camp for the Bethany men. He was a member of the Marquette Exchange Club for many years, and especially relished the hunting seasons spent as a member of Conibear Camp.

He and his wife, LaVerne, spent many pleasant winters at their southern home in Cape Coral, FL and also traveled to Scandinavia, Great Britain, Ireland, and most of Europe over the years. A special highlight was attendance at the Passion Plat in Oberammergau, Germany. Another was Churchill’s War Rooms in London.

In his spare time he enjoyed working and relaxing at the family camp on the Dead River Basin.

Roy is survived by his wife – LaVerne (Lynn), 2 sons – Gary (Mary) Koski of Eldridge, IA, Steven (Brenda) Koski of Tucson, AZ, 2 daughters – Christine Koski of Negaunee, Susan (Travis) Tiner of Dallas, TX, 2 step-daughters – Patricia Suiste of Ishpeming, Sheila (Brian) Van Den Plas of Luxemburg, WI, a stepson – Mark (Susan Rohleder) Mullins of Green Bay, 13 grandchildren – Timothy (Tracy) and Andrew Koski, Jason, Adam, and Sarah Koski, Chelsea, Austin, and Travis Tiner, Justin (Shannon) and Lindsey Young, and Alex (Paige), Kacey (Jake) Van Den Plas, and Kiley (Ryan) Thayse, and one great-grandchild – Colton Koski, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother – Harold (Nancy) of Escanaba, and a sister – Elaine Roose, as well as, his former wife – Annette (Krook) Jachimski, mother of his four children.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.

Roy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the wonderful care they gave to Roy over the past couple of years.

Roy’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday July 9, 2021, at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home, in Ishpeming, from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm with Rev. Stacy Pethke officiating.

Roy’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.