Louis George Koszarek
January 6, 1930 - July 19, 2008
Obituary
January 6th 1930 ~ July 19th 2008
Lou Koszarek died on July 19th, 2008 of heart failure.
Louis George Koszarek was born January 6th, 1930 in Portage Pennsylvania, a small coal-mining town in the Allegheny Mountains. Seventh of ten children, Lou was one of five boys: Frank, Joe, Jon, & Fred, and his sisters Angela, Mary, Jean, Francis, and Roberta. Both Lou’s parents Anna and Albert were immigrants from Poland.
Upon attending Penn State University, Lou was a member of the Delta Epsilon Fraternity and graduate from the College of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. Lou participated on the Boxing team in which he became a Golden Gloves Champion. Lou always knew how to work hard and have fun.
Once Lou had finished his engineering degree, he enlisted in the Air Force and obtained the rank of Captain. While being stationed in Germany after the WWII as a Missile Commander, Lou met the love of his life, Gabriella Maria Zimmer. Together they had three children: Joseph, Albert, and a lovely daughter Anne. As a father, Lou was a great inspiration, teaching his children that no obstacle is too great for the human spirit.
After leaving the Air Force, Lou began his career at The Boeing Company. Lou worked on many programs and made many lifetime friends whom he cherished and loved; including Charlie Kyle, Al Hartman, Roy Ellis, and Jack Wikert. In Lou’s 38 years at Boeing he contributed to the success of many programs including Minuteman, the MX and several other programs related to the strategic defense initiative.
After losing Gabi to breast cancer in 1992, Lou married Nancy Welliver, who enjoyed Lou’s love of golf and desire to experience what the world had to offer. Unfortunately, cancer also stole the life of Nancy whereupon he married his third wife, Billy Blue. Billy was an old friend from his days in Germany. Together they took care of each other in days of sickness. Billy was there for Lou when he suffered a serious stroke and Lou supported Billy in her fight against cancer. Sadly, Billy passed away in 2005. What does it say about a man who comforted three of his dearest friends from such a disease that takes too many?
Lou was a faithful companion, made us laugh and will be truly missed. Surviving are Joseph his wife Sandy, Albert his wife Michele, Anne her husband Steve, and his 10 wonderful grandchildren Amanda, Lauren, Megan, Jordan, Alexander, Samantha, Clarissa, Samuel, Julia, and Katrina.
Visitation was held Friday, July 25th from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Rosary services were held on Friday, 7:00 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way, WA 206 839-7317. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 26th at St Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 30525 – 8th Ave. S., Federal Way, WA with the Reverend Thomas Vandenberg officiating.
Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.
Our sincere Condolences to Joe, Albert and the family. We have fond memories of Lou and Gabi from our time in Cambridge.
My Condolences to you Joe, Albert and Anne. I just heard of your dad’s passing. He was a great person,and I looked up to him growing up.
Please accept our condolences for Lou. He was a great person, engineer, and a great patient. I always enjoyed his good spirit and humor. Regards to his family
G.Gey MD
I just learned of Lou’s death when I saw his obituary in the Sunday Seattle Times. I will always remember him with a grin on his face and with the pride he had for his family.
My heart hurts tonight after I learned from my Mom that Mr. Koszarek has passed away. He was the father of my childhood friends… Joe and Al and little Anne Marie “Loveyâ€. I spent a lot of time at their home as a boy growing up. Both Mr. and Mrs. Koszarek always made me feel loved and welcome. I especially remember how Mr. Koszarek played an important role in my life after I had made some bad choices and was caught stealing. To cover up I wrongly blamed Joe as an accomplice. I am sure that hurt Mr. Koszarek. But instead of being mad at me, I remember how one night he ran after me as I walked home after baseball practice and put his arm around me to tell me that he loved me and that I was welcome anytime at their house! It meant so much to me as a boy of 12 and it still means so much to me today at 49. He was a hero… he was my friend.
Dear Anne,
Tears came quickly to my eyes this morning when I read in the Sunday Times of your Dads passing and feel very sorry that Millie and I were not aware of the funeral service on Saturday, we certainly would have been there.
As you may remember, your Dad and I spend many hours together jogging in the Boeing Cardiac Rehab program. He was a wonderful person to be friends with and we shared many happy and sad moments together.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Don & Millie DeMers
I went to school with Lou’s son Al at WSU and both of us went to Boeing after graduation. Sorry to hear of your Dad’s death. Hang in there. My prayers and thoughts are with your Dad and his family.
Ann, Steve and family………….
I ASK THE LORD TO BLESS YOU AS I PRAY FOR EACH OF YOU TODAY. TO GUIDE YOU AND PROTECT YOU AS YOU GO ALONG YOUR WAY. HIS LOVE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU…HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE. AND WHEN WE GIVE OUR CARES TO HIM, YOU KNOW HE WILL SEE US THROUGH.
WE WISH YOU STRENGTH, GRACE AND LOVE….AND WONDERFUL MEMORIES TOO!
Much love,
Karen Snyder and Paul Scott
My Sincere Condolences to the Family.
I met Lou in 1961 and we worked together, both in Seattle and at VAFB. Throughout, he was always possessed of an infectious optimism and spirit no matter how bleak the future. A few years ago, I bought a bottle of Polish Vodka expressly for him but fate intervened and he never got to partake of it. I shall keep that bottle to remind me of the wonderful experience of sharing life with him. My heartfelt sympathies to Lou’s family and his extended family.
Sadly,
Art Carter
Dear Anne,
Sending our love & prayers to your entire family.
I enjoyed the time I shared with your Dad– always seemed to enjoy life to the fullest.
Blessings on your family during this difficult time.
Love, The Tjelle Family
Lou was not only my boss at Boeing for a long time but was also an incredible friend for 37 years. He did so much for me over the years and was always there to offer his friendship, love and guidance. We were connected until the end. He was a true blessing in my life.
Sorry we are not there to share in the celebration of Lou’s life. He was a great friend that will be missed by both of us. Our condolences to the entire family.
Pat & JoAnn
What a joy you were to work with. When the music stops and the lights go out – what next? As in all endings, a new begining. Hope to meet up with you again.
Our love and prayers are with you Joe, Albert, and Anne and your families. We watched you three grow up along with our 4 children. Gabi was my best friend and Louie Blue the one I loved to tease the most. You couldn’t ask for better friends and neighbors. love Tom & Betty
I worked with Lou 20 -30 some years ago on various Minuteman programs and always thought highly of Lou.
Lou was always great to work with and had the usual upbeat and cheerfull attitude. May his family receive the finest blessing as a result of Lou’s great life.
Terry Donlin