Gwinn, MI - Ronald P. Koski, (Ronnie) age 64, passed away Thursday October 1, 2026, in Green Bay, WI, after a life filled with family, friendship, faith, and an unmistakable love for life.

Ronnie was born on January 15, 1962, in Fort Myers, Florida, to Ronald and Hannah (Nurmi) Koski. At just six months old, he returned with his family to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he was raised in Republic.

Ronnie Paul was proud to be the oldest child in his family and affectionately considered himself the “#1 son” and “#1 brother.” For many years, Ronnie served as the gatekeeper for the Republic Cemetery, a responsibility he took seriously. Opening the gates in the morning and making sure they were closed at night.

He participated in the Special Olympics and was also a member of the Boy Scouts in Marquette. Following his graduation from Marquette-Alger Intermediate School in 1988, Ronald began working at the Villa Capri. His years at the Villa Capri became such an important part of his life that he eventually became known throughout the Marquette area simply as “Mr. Villa.”

Ronald loved walking around town and visiting his regular stops, putting countless miles on his shoes along the way. He became a familiar and welcome face at restaurants, and local businesses throughout Marquette. His small feet earned him his second nickname “Little Foot,” but those little feet certainly knew how to move him around town. Wherever Ronald went, people knew him, and everyone enjoyed seeing “Mr. Villa” walk through the door.

Above all else, Ronnie loved life. He was a deeply religious man and rarely missed church. His faith was an important part of who he was, as was his genuine care for the people around him.

There are many words that could be used to describe Ron, but perhaps the most fitting would be happy and humble. Ronnie Paul leaves behind a lifetime of memories and countless people who will remember his smile, his stories, his remarkable memory, and his ability to make people feel better simply by talking with them.

Ronnie is survived by his mother, Hannah Wixtrom; brother, Todd Koski; sisters, Candice (Joseph) Schoenherr and Tammy (Gary) DuBord; sister-in-law, Christine Koski; stepsisters Leah, Lori, Terri, Tammy; stepbrother, Chis Wixtrom, Nola (Magnuson) Mark, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his brother, Curtis Koski; Stepdad Jack Wixtrom, Ray Magnuson, companion of Hannah, paternal grandparents, Andrew and Aili Koski; maternal grandparents, Florence and Leo Nurmi; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ronnie Paul will be deeply missed by his family and by the many people throughout the community who knew him as Mr. Villa, Little Foot, or simply as Ronnie Paul. He lived his life with a bubbly spirit, a strong faith, and a love for sharing his happiness with everyone around him. May his shoes finally get some rest.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Republic. Fr. Jernej Sustar will celebrate. Ronald’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be held in the church hall immediately following the Funeral Mass.

Pallbearers will be Todd Koski, Joe Schoenherr, Gary DuBord, Nick Koski, Daniel Koski, Andy Schoenherr, and Tyrus Millimaki.

Burial will take place in the Republic Township Cemetery.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.