Ronald Koski

Ronald J. Koski, 85, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on June 13, 2021.

Ronald was born on August 22, 1935, in the upper peninsula of Michigan. He grew up in the Carlshend and Marquette areas of Michigan, where many Finnish immigrants lived.

He was married to his wife, Jeanette, for over 60 years. They met at Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, MI, where they earned their undergraduate degrees. They shared a love for skiing and spent most winter weekends skiing in the Midwest, and for many years made a trip to Colorado to enjoy the slopes in Aspen.

In addition to his degree from NMU, Ronald earned a masters of arts in business, from Michigan State University.  He started his career as a high school teacher and retired from Moraine Park Technical College, where he worked developing classes to meet the needs of local businesses. He retired with 39 years of work experience in education.

Ronald had a life-long love for cars, especially Fords. Over the years, he took great pride and care of each vehicle he owned, including many vintage/classic cars. He was active in car clubs at local and national levels and was a founding member of the Fondy Vintage Auto Club.

While living in Fond du Lac, he was an active church member at Immanuel Trinity Lutheran Church. When he moved to Sun Prairie, he became an active member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Koski of Sun Prairie, WI; children, Caroline (Gary) Zeimet of Rio, WI, Kelly (Steven) Marianno of Green Valley, CA, Jill (David) Koski of Shaker Heights, OH; grandchildren, Maura Towey of Los Angeles, CA, Tait Ferguson of Shaker Heights, OH, and Annika Ferguson of Shaker Heights, OH.  Other survivors include his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elsie Waterman, and his parents, Eino and Naima Koski.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Sun Prairie, WI at 11:00 AM with lunch to follow at Cress Funeral & Cremation Service, Sun Prairie, WI.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church.

A special thanks to New Perspective Senior Living in Sun Prairie, WI, and the care team at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics for their kindness and care.

Donations may be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie or the Northern Michigan University Foundation in Marquette, Michigan.