James Laurie Koskan

Koskan, James (Jim) L. Age 103, passed away on June 30th, 2026. Preceded in death by parents, Pauline and Vaclav Koskan; brothers Allen and Paul; and sister June Hayward. Survived by son, James Lowell (Mary); daughters, Laurie (Denis) Biagini, and Rebecca (Robert) McDaniel; grandchildren, Abby Boswell, Nicolle Bateson, Derek (Zlata) Biagini, and Jeff Thompson; great grandchildren, Ashley (Chase) Burgess, Ryan and Regan Boswell, Brecken and Caleb Bateson; and great, great grandsons Cash and Caden Burgess; and loving nieces and nephews. Born in Lynch, Nebraska, on June 16, 1923, the 3rd of 4 children, the family moved to Anoka, Nebraska where Jim graduated Salutatorian before attending the University of Nebraska to study engineering. His path to graduation was interrupted with military service in the U.S. Navy as an Ensign. On March 10, 1946, Jim married Treslyn Vogel and they lived in Norman, Oklahoma, where he was assigned as Separation Officer at the U.S. Naval Base. When released from active duty in 1946, Jim returned to the University of Nebraska to complete his Mechanical Engineering degree in 1948. The couple moved to Sioux City, lowa, where Jim was employed by Swift & Co. In July, 1952, they moved to Minneapolis with their son, James Lowell and daughter, Laurie, where Jim was employed by Honeywell Corporation. Soon, their 2nd daughter, Rebecca, arrived to complete the family. Among the many joys of family life often recalled, exploring the state and national parks across the U.S. and Canada, while camping with his wife and kids, brought Jim boundless delight. Jim Koskan retired from Honeywell as a Mechanical Engineer in 1986 after working for the company for 36 years. Several months later, he returned to his same position under contract where he worked another 3 years, retiring again in 1989. He later became involved in the Honeywell retiree-lead volunteer program, Staying Power, which worked in the public schools to support the educational success of children. Jim enjoyed 7 years of volunteering as a math tutor for 1st grade students, who in turn, looked forward to spending time with "Grandpa Jim". After seeing their 3 children through college, Treslyn and Jim decided to indulge in their love of traveling and explored other parts of the world. Through the next 25 years, they were fortunate to have visited 27 countries on five continents. The Koskan's were devoted members of Epiphany Lutheran Church in South Minneapolis for 56 years. After its closing, they joined a spirited and loving congregation at Hope Lutheran Church. Upon its closing, Lake Nokomis Lutheran became their new church home. In 2016, Jim and Treslyn left their home of 64 years in South Minneapolis to move to an independent living senior residence, The Glenn, Hopkins. They celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary March 10th, 2023. Treslyn passed the following November, resulting in Jim's move to a Solbakken residence in Maple Grove, Mn., the following July. The family wishes to thank the women of Solbakken for the nurturing care Jim received throughout his 2 years in which this was his home. They were truly his Guardian Angels. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to: Solbakken 18255 83rd Ave N Maple Grove, MN 55311 Service to be held Saturday, July 25, at 1:00 pm at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 31st Avenue South, Minneapolis, Mn 55417, with visitation one hour prior. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on a different day.

James Laurie Koskan

June 16, 1923 - June 30, 2026

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