George Koski

Naselle resident George Koski, 84, died June 26, 2009 in Ilwaco. Born in Winlock, Washington on January 11, 1925 he was the son of Finnish immigrants Mikko and Ida (Lethe) Kaarlenkoski. George joined the United States Marines where he served during the Second World War, stationed in New Zealand. In 1952 he settled in the Salmon Creek area east of Naselle where he worked at the Naselle Radar Station until its closing. He was a civil service employee at McChord Air Base near Tacoma until taking early retirement. George was maintenance manager at Naselle Water Company until retiring in May 2000. In earlier years he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks. An avid fisherman and hunter, George also enjoyed gathering berries and other local natural foods. He also enjoyed riding to local casinos and the camaraderie of the shuttle bus patrons. He and Bernice Rinell were married in September of 1945. She died earlier. Surviving are a son Brian Koski of Naselle; daughter Diana "Dee Dee" Peterson of Poulsbo, WA; grandchildren Miranda Koski and Christina Koski; step-grandchildren Carl Peterson and Joyce Peterson and step-great-grandson Markus Peterson. Memorial service will be held Friday, July 3, 2009, 1:00 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. A reception follows at the chapel. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.