Joseph Gabriel Koss, 85, of Lacey, Washington, passed away January 18, 2012.
Joseph was born March 25, 1926 in Westville, Illinois to John and Rose (Puskac)
Koss.
He married Florence Oziemkiewicz on December 30, 1950.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence; two children, Debbie
Koss-Warner (Steve Warner) of Shelton, Washington; Andrea Thigpen (Gordon)
of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and brother John Koss of Danville, Illinois; and
two grandchildren, Gordie and Libby Thigpen.
Joseph was a long-time resident of Chesterton and Porter County and former
Chesterton High School teacher. He attended The Art Institute of Chicago,
where he received his Bachelor of Art Education Degree, and Indiana
University, where he received his Master’s Degree. Joseph fought with the
5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima. Joseph taught Art for 41 years and was the
Head of the Art Department at Portage High School in Portage, Indiana.
Joseph was a member of the Duneland Leathernecks, Duneland Woodcarvers, and
the Duneland Rock Club. He enjoyed growing gourds, birding and hunting for
fossils, rocks and arrowheads.
Burial is at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington. To leave a message
or condolences for the family, please visit
www.woodlawn-funeralhome.com
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