Richard Koski

Dick was born May 17, 1941, in Wakefield, Michigan, to Felix and Violet Sertich and graduated from Wakefield High School, Class of 1959, where he earned 12 varsity letters as an all-state athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Michigan University, where he excelled for four years on the gridiron, being elected captain as a senior in 1962. Dick also participated in track and field at NMU, setting school records in the high jump and long jump. He was inducted into the NMU Hall of Fame in 1987.

Dick was a dedicated educator and coach for Negaunee Public Schools. He served many roles during his tenure; as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal. As head football coach for 36 years, he created a legacy of hard work, strength, and pride. His teams compiled a record of 211 wins and 113 losses. They captured ten conference championships, nine playoff qualifications, three undefeated teams, four regional championships, and one MHSAA runner-up. Coach Koski also coached track and field for 20 years, winning four conference championships, four regional championships, and one MHSAA UP State Championship. His coaching honors include 10 Regional Football Coach of the Year awards and one State Coach of the Year award. He was inducted into the UP Hall of Fame, Negaunee Public Schools Hall of Fame, Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and similarly named Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Dick was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, where he served on the church council and also served the Negaunee Lions Club. He was a Regional Director of the MHSFA and a member of the UP Athletic Council.

Following retirement, Dick enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and wintering in Florida. More than anything, he was a devoted family man and “Papa” to his grandchildren.

Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Charlotte (Forslund) Koski; son, Brett (Nicole) Koski of Negaunee; daughter, Kristin (Arin) DeMarois of Ishpeming; six grandchildren: Ty, Mia Koski and Sophie Fentress, and Ella, Emily and Ethan-Richard DeMarois; his brother, Robert (Judy) Koski of Florida; two sisters: Carol Anderson of Wisconsin and Karen (Bill) Kohne of Missouri; brother-in-law, Dave Londo; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joanne Londo, and her son Doug; and brother-in-law, Bill ‘Andy’ Anderson.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 2:45 pm on Saturday, January 18th at the Negaunee High School Auditorium. Funeral services will follow in the auditorium at 3:00 pm with Rev. Bre Kinnunen, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dick’s grandson, Ty Koski, along with Bob Bonetti, Mark Marana, Paul Jacobson, Kevin Bell and Terry Tincknell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Dick’s memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Negaunee All-Sports Booster Club.

Coach Koski’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.