Edward E. Kossak

Edward E. Kossak was born in Superior, WI on October 7, 1926, the son of Stanley and Steffie (Petroske) Kossak. He died on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at St. Francis Nursing Home in the Park following numerous and lengthy health issues.

Ed and his loving wife and best friend, Betty Lange were married forty-eight years ago on August 26, 1961. It was a fun and exciting ride. They enjoyed countless good times together including cruises and a relaxing life at their cabin in Solon Springs. They especially liked pontooning and entertaining their friends.

He attended the former St. Adelbert’s Elementary School and later graduated with the Class of 1944 from the former East High School where he is remembered as an outstanding basketball player and team captain.

Ed’s interest in team sports continued even after high school. He was actively involved in softball teams while in the Navy and local teams when he returned home. He played for and managed the Victory Bar which was a winning team.

Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for two years aboard The Destroyer – USS Turner which served the South Pacific. After receiving his honorable discharge he went to Fairbanks, AK to work for a construction company. Upon his return he worked for the railroad before becoming a railway mail clerk and after a U.S. postal clerk.

During his tenure as a government employee he attended and graduated from UWS with a degree in elementary education. He taught special education at senior high until his retirement in 1988 where he was instrumental in developing a new program and approach to teaching children with special needs. He also earned his master’s degree in Educational administration.
He was actively involved in several organizations and activities that assisted special needs students including SFT 202, UCP, ARC, CEC, The 51-42 Board and the Superior Vocations Center where he served as a board member and president when ground was broken for the present facility. He was also an advocate for students with special needs in the northern section of the state and was appointed to a state tax force for property tax reform.

Beyond his professional memberships he belonged to the UCT, the Phi Delta Kappan, the Moose and the Elks #403 where he was one of the longest serving members. He was also very active in the UWS alumni association having served in a number of leadership roles including president. He was the recipient of two president’s awards for outstanding service and most recently he and his wife Betty received the first annual service award named after them.

Those who preceded him in death include his parents, sister, Ann “Dolly” Sislo and brothers, William and Stanley Kossak.

Those who survive are his wife Betty; sister, Delores Giacinto, Chicago, IL, sister-in-law, Ann Kossak; nephews, Sam (Sue) Kossak and Joe Kossak; niece, Julie Melby; grandnieces, Kelly and Kalene O’Brien and Amanda Kossak; grandnephew, Andrew Kossak and several relatives, friends and extended family living throughout the country as well as his beautiful cat, Casey.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 20, 2010 in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior and continue until the 12:00 PM memorial service with Gary Banker, of Concordia Lutheran Church officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be John Nye, John Haugland, Dale Olson, Bob Krey, Mike Jahr and Ron Orlandi.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a new UWS Scholarship Fund in memory of Ed.