"Sorry for your loss. I'll always remember his smile and love for our family. Like a father to all of us. The Eckloff family"
In loving memory of
DONALD J. "PORKY" KOSKEY
December 4, 1924 - January 26, 2022
Donald "Porky" Koskey, 97, of Marquette passed away peacefully on January 26, 2022 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living, where he had resided over the last few months.
Don was born on December 4, 1924 and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1943. On June 1, 1946, Don married Mary Turenne at St. John the Baptist Church in Marquette.
He worked for the Marquette Board of Light and Power for 37 years. He loved the game of golf and started caddying at the Marquette Golf Club at the age of 10, walking up Grove Street hill to hopefully be first in line for the job. He then became a playing member of the club and was recognized as a 50-year member and finally, as a Lifetime Honoree in 2016. Despite Don's many years of golfing, the goal of getting a hole-in-one proved elusive, but the family hopes that the good Lord will now rectify that situation.
Don enjoyed playing cribbage and was an avid sportsman, as well as a big fan of the NMU Wildcats and MSU Spartans. He also looked forward to his walks with Bishop Emeritus James Garland and others inside the Superior Dome.
He was a long-time member of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette, serving for many years as an altar server. He belonged to the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Monsignor Nolan B McKevitt Council #689. Don also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.
Don is survived by his sons: Michael (Joan) Koskey, David (Loreene) Koskey and Richard (Barb) Koskey, all of Marquette; grandchildren: Deborah Robertson Madrid of Goodyear, Arizona, Scott (Amber) Koskey of Negaunee, Krystal Koskey of Marquette, Kristina (Dan) Silva of North Reading, Massachusetts, Julie (Monica Arrigo) Koskey of Arlington, Massachusetts, Rachel (Hank) Kemp of South St. Paul, Minnesota, Ben (Amanda) Specker and Courtney Specker of Marquette; great-grandchildren: Rece, Lucy, Henry, Louis, Samuel, Ben, Caroline and Lincoln; sister-in-law Ilene White and several nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, John Wangler and Frances Witkowski; his wife, Mary; his sisters-in law, Grace Hyde and Dorothy LaJeunesse; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Turenne, Jack Hyde, William White, and Robert LaJeunesse.
His family would like to thank the staff of Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and U.P. Home Health and Hospice for their loving and tender care of Don.
Visitation will take place in the Bishops' Room of St. Peter Cathedral on Tuesday, February 1, from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon in the cathedral with Monsignor Michael Steber officiating and Deacons Dean Jackson and Scott Jamieson assisting. Entombment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed in Don's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or Bay Cliff Health Camp.
Canale -Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Don's obituary can also be viewed at www.canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
Tributes
"Dear Dave, Rich and Mike, Just wanted to pass on my condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of your dad from our state championship run in 1969 and the time I spent working at the Marquette Golf and Country Club in my younger days. He was a kind and gentle man with a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor. Take care and enjoy the memories. Fred Huffman"
"Dear Dave and Rich (and other family), I was saddened to learn of your dad's passing. He was always pleasant and genuine, qualities that many of us attempt to emulate. Deepest sympathies to the entire family and to what I am sure are a large number of friends. "
"Dave and Loreene: Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Don was always so welcoming and accepting of me during my time in Marquette -- especially with our mutual involvement with the Knights of Columbus. May his perpetual light and bright smile continue to shine. God Bless, Dan and Becky Sullivan Family"
"Art and I are so sorry to hear about your dad. Enjoyed going to the church picnics with your mom and dad . Had many a chats at the football games and walking in the dome . Let your parents be reunited again ! Loved them both Paulette (Baker) Pickering "
"That smile was always on his face. A very happy pleasant gentleman. Koskey boys and families. Your dad was one in a million, He loved his friends, his golf and mostly His Lord. My deepest sympathy. My prayers and thoughts are with you all and so is my love.."
"Rich and family, so sorry to hear about your father?s passing, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mike Frazier"
"Dave and Family, I am sorry for your loss. It was always such a pleasure to run into your Dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you.??"
"David, Rich, and Mike. I am so sorry to hear of Porkey's passing. What a great guy, and such a full life! My sincere sympathy to you all. Sending love, hugs, and prayers.."
"My condolences and prayers go out to Don and his family. Don was a great man and a good Christian. He lived a long life, may he Rest In Peace with the good Lord."