Russell W. Koski

Russell W. Koski, 76, of Chassell, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Russ was born in Hancock, Michigan, on November 12, 1949, to Axel and Ailien (Harmala) Koski. Raised in Keweenaw Bay, he graduated from Baraga High School in 1967 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Northern Michigan University. On December 11, 1976, he married Ruth Nordstrom, beginning a loving partnership that spanned nearly five decades.

He devoted 44 years to a distinguished banking career, retiring in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer of Superior National Bank. A lifelong member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, Russ was known for his quiet strength, integrity, and deep commitment to his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Virginia (Nasco) Keskey, MaryEllen Sorenson, Arthur Koski, and Miriam Mercier, brothers-in-law Ernest Pietila, David Nasco, Melvin Keskey, and Ray Mercier, and a great-granddaughter, Annie Rautiola.

Russ is survived by his wife Ruth of Chassell; his children Janelle (Darin) Johnson of South Range, Jason (Nikki) Koski of Chassell, Lisa (Matthew) Frantti of Hartland, Beth (Matthew) Helminen of Hancock, Amy (Karl) Sturos of Hartland, Mark (Leah) Koski of Hancock, Philip (Karmen) Koski of Calumet, Craig (Shannon) Koski of Hancock, and Kristin Koski of Chassell; 44 grandchildren and their spouses; three great-grandchildren; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Paul Sorenson, Becky Koski, Ann Pietila, and David (Judy) Nordstrom; and many nieces and nephews.