Republic – Gene E. "Neno" Koski, age 65, of 127 Cedar St., Republic passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2016 in the Community Living Center at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born November 14, 1950 in Ishpeming, MI the son of the late Edwin and Effie (Heliste) Koski. He grew up in Republic and was a graduate of the Republic High School, Class of 1968. He served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge from the service he returned to Republic. "Neno" married Lynn M. Gardner on Oct. 17, 1981 and together they raised three sons. He had worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. mainly has a truck driver first at the Republic Mine from 1972 – 1981 and then at the Tilden Mine from 1981 until his retirement in 2004.

"Neno" was a lifetime member of the Republic VFW, Grant-Nyman Post #5014. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing and had memberships in the Republic Rabbit Club and the Republic Sportsman's Club. He always supported the Green Bay Packers.

Survivors include his wife Lynn Koski of Republic, 3 children - James (Mindy Nardi) Koski of Republic, Steven Koski of Lansing, and Daniel Koski of Republic, a sister – Margie (John Couveau) Mattila of Republic, mother-in-law Gerry Gardner, and grandchild Tia Mattila, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law – Ralph and Debbie Gardner, Rod and Linda Gardner & Randy and Yvonne Gardner, along with several nieces and nephews and his canine companion Bruno. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Leonard Gardner, sister-in-law Linda Lee Gardner, and brother-in-law Charles Mattila.

The Koski family will greet relatives and friends on Monday June 6, 2016 from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Republic where a service of remembrance will be celebrated by Sister Margey Schmelzle at 1:00pm. The flag presentation will be accorded by the Republic VFW. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall, followed by a time of remembrance at the Republic VFW.

Pallbearers will be his nephews – Linn, Kurt & Ryan Mattila, Brian & Kyle Gardner, Darren Bartle, Jim Hytinen, Phil Gravedoni & Kevin Ballent.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed the the Republic VFW in Neno's memory.

Neno's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .