John J. Kojis

Kojis, John died in his home on October 2, 2019 at age 101 1/2. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Griffin Kojis, his brothers and sister and Pat's brother and sisters. He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Kojis and her husband, Carl Arentzen, of Springfield, IL; Barbara Kojis and her husband, Norman Quinn, of Prescott, AZ, two wonderful grandchildren, Charlie and Clare Arentzen, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin, a first generation American. His parents migrated to the Polish, Czech, Slovak, German community of Cudahy as young adults from what was then Austria Hungary. His grandfather was a cooper (a barrel maker) and got work right away Milwaukee was known for its breweries and needed barrel makers. Up until the depression, his parents did well. As his father said, they lived better than the King of Prussia owning a car (Model T Ford) and a house with central heating, running water, and an indoor toilet. After graduating from high school, John attended the University of Wisconsin and was graduated in 1942 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During WWII, he worked at GE in Erie, PA on the gunnery system for the B-29 Flying Fortress. The system allowed one gunner to aim and fire multiple turrets against a single target, thus limiting the number of airmen in harm's way. While working in Erie he met the love of his life, Patricia; they were married in 1945. They moved to Chicago where John worked at S&C Electric Company for 6 years where he developed five patents related to electrical switching equipment. The cheap and efficient circuit breaker he developed is still in use today on power poles all over the world. In 1952, John and family moved to Minnesota where he worked for Maico Hearing Aids for 24 years, 16 years as its president. John was active in community and business associations, activities he enjoyed very much. He wanted to express his deep appreciation for the contributions his friends and associates made to his happy and rewarding life. John decided to forego a funeral. He looked at his 100th birthday bash with dear friends and relatives as "being able to attend my own funeral and having a heck of a lot more fun than if I were dead." This sentiment certainly epitomizes John's sense of humor. In lieu of a funeral John asked that donations go to Open Circle Senior Day Center, 34 10th Ave. S., Hopkins, MN 55343, the Adult Daycare so enjoyed by his wife Patricia in her fight with Alzheimer's.

Tributes

John J. Kojis

March 8, 1918 - October 2, 2019

Tributes

John J. Kojis

March 8, 1918 - October 2, 2019

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