Joseph “Joe” D. Koss, Jr., 77, Luxemburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 with his family at his side after a short, 45-day battle with pancreatic cancer.
Joe was born January 4, 1943 in Green Bay, the first-born of J. Don and Grace (Johnsen) Koss. He attended St. Matthew Grade School and graduated in 1961 from Premontre High School, Green Bay. After graduating high school, Joe attended St. Norbert College and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Degree from Badger Business College, Green Bay. Joe also served his country in the U. S. Army Reserves from August 1966 to December 1972.
On November 14, 1970, Joe married the love of his life, Connie Rueckl, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Luxemburg, where they have remained active members of the parish and he enjoyed singing in the choir.
After graduation and while establishing his own family, Joe was involved in the third-generation cheese production business, Badger State Cheese. In 1978, Joe and his brother, John established Koss Industrial, Inc. in the back garage of his parent’s home in Dyckesville. As the business outgrew the family garage, they moved it to the lower level of the Palmer Manufacturing building in De Pere, Wisconsin. In 1992, a brand-new facility was constructed on the East side of Green Bay, where it continues to operate and service the food and dairy industry today.
In 2019, Joe and John received the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association’s Distinguished Service Award to the Dairy Processing Industry of the United States for their service and contributions to the United States Dairy Industry.
Joe was the happiest spending time at the cabin in Amberg in Fall, cutting wood, hunting, and riding his ATV on the land while taking in the beauty of all the birds and wildlife. In the summer, his enjoyment was the cottage in Dyckesville where he enjoyed the waters of Green Bay, the beautiful sunsets and the summer bonfires on the beach. Whether he spent life in the woods or buzzing the waters of Green Bay on the jet-ski, Joe treasured the time spent with his family, especially with his children and grandchildren.
Joe enjoyed touring around the village with his 1930 Model A Ford cars and 1962 Corvette receiving the “thumbs up” as he cruised through the village with his wife by his side.
Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Connie and their children and their families. Jeff (Jennifer) Koss, De Pere, WI and their children, Maxwell (Leyna Zeimet), Marybeth, Zachary, Isaiah, and Madelyn; Jason (Tracy) Koss, Luxemburg and their children, Kamryn (fiancé Keegan Sewell), Colton and Hayden; Joe III (Liz) Koss, Luxemburg and their children, Jordan, Makayla, and Tyler; one brother and sister-in-law, John (Jill Layne) Koss, Dyckesville; his Mother-in-law, Margaret Rueckl, Luxemburg; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Steve (Judy) Rueckl, New Franken; Dan (Maria) Rueckl, Luxemburg; nieces and nephews and their families; and his Godchildren, Matt Gallenberger, David Ruplinger and Adam Koss.
Joe was preceded in death by his Parents, J. Don & Grace Koss, his brother, James Paul Koss; Father-in-law, John Rueckl; maternal grandparents, Alfred and Mary Johnsen; paternal grandparents, John F & Mollie Koss and great-grandparents.
Friends may call between 9:30 am until 10:45 a.m. on Monday, December 7th, 2020, at St. Mary Church Luxemburg. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m., on Monday at the church with Rev. Daniel Schuster officiating. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery with full military rites at graveside provided by the American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262, Luxemburg.
Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you, Rev. Daniel Schuster, for his pastoral care and support given to Joe and our family. Thank you to Bishop David Ricken, Rev. Milton Suess, Rev. John Broussard, CPM and Rev. Thomas Regan, CPM, and to our extended family members, friends, neighbors, current and former employees of Koss Industrial, Inc, Thank you to all of the prayer chain members from our parish and the neighboring parishes that have lifted Joe in prayer and Novenas or supported Joe and Connie in any way during this difficult time.
A special thank you to the entire staff and medical team at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center in Green Bay, the staff and medical team at Unity Hospice, and the family and neighbors that helped us to allow Joe to remain in his home on his final journey to his eternal rest.
McMahon Funeral Home Luxemburg is assisting the Koss Family
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Joe’s name.
Covid-19 virus precautionary measures will be advised. Wearing a face covering, hand sanitizing and social distancing, please.
