Gerald Kendon Koski

Gerald Kendon “Ken” Koski (age 88) of Brighton, MI passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022. At the time of his passing, Ken, and his beloved wife of 41 years, Sheila, were en route home to Michigan after spending a wonderful winter season in Florida.

Ken was born on March 20, 1934 in Mass, MI to parents Eino and Selma Koski.  Ken was a first generation American and was very proud of his Finnish heritage. SISU!  In 1940 Ken, his parents, and younger sister Janet moved from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Detroit.  It wasn’t until that time that he learned to speak English, as Finnish was the only language spoken at home.

 Ken graduated from Redford Union High School in 1951.  He was a proud Redford resident for over 50 years.  After his high school graduation Ken took college courses at Wayne State University.  In December 1953 Ken joined the US Army.  It was during Ken’s time in the Army that he received his photography training.  After two years of service, in 1955, Ken was honorably discharged from the Army. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve for eight years.  

 In 1956 Ken began his career at Michigan Bell where he worked for 39 years.  Ken worked in the public relations team and would travel the country taking pictures of MI Bell.  It was during his time at Michigan Bell where Ken met his wife, Sheila.  Ken and Sheila were married on January 31, 1981 in Redford, MI.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman (hunting and fishing), lover of all sports, and made friends with everyone he met.

 Ken is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sheila (Roberts) Koski, daughters Laura (Dan) Bobee, Sara (Paul) Koski-Senia, Erika (Ryan) Butash, and grandsons Dylan Koski and Luke Butash.  Brother Steve (Kathy) Koski, Brother-in-laws Jim (Sherry Blum) Partain and Terry (Harriet) Roberts, Sister-in-laws Brenda (Jerry) McCain and Avery (Richard) Shaffer. Cousins Roger (Pat) Handy, Keith (Faye) Knuutila, Anita (Vitus) Hloushek, nephews Miles Handy, Alex Handy, Craig Partain, Michael Koski, Nicholas Koski, niece Kathy (Curt) Hofer and Joe Odell. Dear friend of Bob Cisclo of of over 70 years.  As well as many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his father Eino Koski, mother Selma Koski, step-mother Betty Koski, granddaughter Oliva Butash, sister Janet Partain, and brother-in-law Edward Roberts.

 Visitation Sunday, April 3rd 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River, Downtown Farmington.

Funeral service Monday, April 4th at 10:30 AM (in state at 9:30 AM) at 2/42 Community Church, 7526 Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48114.

 The family kindly requests no flowers or plants.  In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donations can be made to the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood,  American Legion , Gleaners of Livingston County.