Dale John Matthew Koski

Dale John Matthew Koski, age 86, of Virginia, passed away peacefully on his birthday with family by his side, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Dale was born in Biwabik, Minn. on September 27, 1938 to parents, Arvo and Susan (Hill) Koski.

He was raised in Embarrass, Minn and graduated from Embarrass High School in 1957. After graduation, he worked at Erie Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes, and retired after working for over 40 years. He also delivered newspapers for the Mesabi Daily News in the Wuori, Pike, Sandy, and Britt areas.

Dale was united in marriage to Karen Eilola on September 29, 1961 in Virginia, Minn. Dale and Karen raised their family in Wuori Township and, after retirement, moved to northside Virginia and spent the winter months in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Dale was an avid sports fan. He was active in sports in high school and in his younger adult years, and enjoyed watching the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns. He founded and coached the Florenton/Wuori youth baseball team in Central St. Louis County League for 15 years. Dale bowled for many years in Virginia at the Plaza Bowl in the Embarrass League and others. He also enjoyed mowing and taking care of his lawn; and spending time at the family's summer cabin near Hoodoo Point on Lake Vermilion. He also really cherished spending time with his family and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen Koski; daughter, Debra Meyers; sons: Dennis Koski, Tim (Denise) Koski, and Kevin (Dawn) Koski; 11 grandchildren: Rick, Amanda, Zachary, Noah, Jeremiah, Preogani, Markesha, Markeyda, Jordan, Peyton, and Ella; 2 great-grandchildren, Bella and Jackson; and niece, Cheryl.

He was preceded in death by parents, Arvo and Susan Koski; in-laws, Edward and Elsie Eilola; brother, Kenneth "Ken" Koski and his wife, Grace; brother-in-law, Eugene Eilola; and great-granddaughter, Madison.

A memorial service for Dale will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 with visitation being held one hour prior at 1 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minnesota. Reverend Bradley Felix will be officiating.