Louis Koszarek, of Antigo, died Saturday, May 25, 2013 at his home under the care of LeRoyer Hospice with family by his side. He was 87 years old. He was born on September 15, 1925 in the town of Rolling, a son of Martin and Clara (Spychalla) Koszarek. He married Josephine Shanks on April 27, 1949. She survives.
He was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1942.
He farmed on the family dairy farm in the town of Rolling for many years retiring in 1975. Mr. Koszarek served as president of Badger Breeders and was a member of the Dairy Herd Implement Association. For six years he managed the experimental station farm fields near the airport for the University of Wisconsin Extension.
As a member of the Msgr. Conrad Saile Knights of Colombus Council 1002 and the Msgr. Conrad Saile Assembly 1214 Fourth Degree, Mr. Koszarek served as Grand Knight and District Deputy. He was instrumental in the construction of the Knights of Colombus Hall in Antigo and also managed the facility.
He was a lifelong member of SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church and in 1996 he helped form and served as president of the SS Mary and Hyacinth Charity Fund, a fund that offers financial assistance to local people in need.
He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662, Antigo.
Survivors including his wife are six daughters Jean (James) Fonder, Antigo, Diane (John) Maar, Medford, Deborah Koszarek, Wausau, Patricia (Kenneth) Kieper, Green Bay, Linda (Larry) Lorbiecki, Wausau, Karen Koszarek, Neenah;
five sons William (Jane) Koszarek, Antigo, David (Leiloni) Koszarek, Antigo, Richard Koszarek, Aniwa, Dennis Koszarek, Erie, Penn, Gerald (Christine) Koszarek, Antigo; 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren;
seven sisters Rose Marchel, Milwaukee, Martha Bombinski, Antigo, Sr. Jane Frances Koszarek, Sr. Irene Koszarek, Sr. Anne Koszarek, Sr. Elizabeth Koszarek all of Stevens Point, Mary (Jerome Wuller) Koszarek, Webster Grove, MO; two brothers Msgr Paul Koszarek , Crandon, Martin (Toshie) Koszarek, Yonkers, NY; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Anthony Koszarek; five brothers Thomas, Rev. Thaddeus, Steve (Anne), Alexander (Dorothy) and Andrew; two sisters, Florence (Theodore) Hoffman and Clara (Gordon) Mayo; two brothers-in-law, Carl Bombinski and Redmond Marchel.
The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with his brother Msgr. Paul Koszarek officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be 3:30 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. on Thursday also at the funeral home.
A parish wake service will be held at 4 p.m., the Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary 6:30 p.m. and the Elks Lodge of Sorrow will be at 7:30 p.m. all at the funeral home.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Service
Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
I have an emptiness knowing that Louis has passed away. He was a person that could be looked up to and respected. I always noticed how good he was with Amber and Ashley when they were little and he and I connected with our mutual love for fruit trees. As a father-in-law, I could not have asked for better.
When I stepped out of Ashley's ICU for the first time after her accident, the first thing that I did was ask Karen to call her dad to let him know about Ashley's situation. It appeared to her a very strange request. But to me, if there was anyone's prayers that God would listen to, it was Louis'. With Louis, there was never a question of how strong he was in his faith or his belief in his church.
Louis always mentioned to me that the doctors gave him only five years when they fixed his heart after his problems when he turned 70. The doctors had no way of knowing how strong of a heart Louis really had and of how much he had left to do in this world. He will be deeply missed.
Bill & Jane,
Kevin & Emily & family
Our prayers are with you. God bless you all.
We were sorry to hear of Louie's passing, we would often see him & Jo at China Buffet on Friday nights. Our condolences go out to her and all of their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
Louie was a wonderful man, I know my Mom and Dad (JIm & Helen Seis) and my sisters had a lot of fun with him and JO at the KC Hall, all those good memories, cherish them all. Your all in our prayers. David & Joanie Chrudimsky
Linda,
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing.
John & Dana Kryka
To the Koszarek family: Louie was a very special person. I came to know him through the Wednesday night bingo's at the Knights Of Columbus. If Louie wasn't there bingo wasn't the same as he was what kept everyone going. When I worked at K-mart and he came in he always said hi and we'll see ya Wednesday Night. Remembering all the good times will help get you through this. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Roy and Nancy St.Peter
It is with deep sorrow I learned of Louie's death. He was a valuable asset to the Church, KC's and Community. We had many laughs at the KC functions that included meetings, bingo, and dinners. Please accept our prayers and condolences.
Deacon Tom Fuhrmann
Love you Dad.
I came to know Lou when we started St. Vincent De Paul in Phlox. Lou encouraged us and helped us help those that needed help. He inspired us to generosity and supported our group in our work to give assistance to those in need. He was a great blessing to many, in ways unknown to most. He was a very good man.
I loved going up to the Elks on Wednesday's and watch the "old timers" play cards and talk.. Louis always had a smile and a hug for me.. The Elk Members card table now has enough for a great game... Will miss him.
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