Grace M. Koss

Grace M. Koss Grace M. Johnsen-Koss (Mrs. J. Donald) 95 of Luxemburg, WI. It is with God’s promise and great hope of the resurrection that Grace Johnsen-Koss passed away into eternal life March 27th, 2015 with her family at her side. Grace was born May 13th, 1919 in Sheboygan, WI to the late Alfred and Mary (Holub) Johnsen. After graduating from West High School in Green Bay, Grace attended and graduated Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa where she was a member of Kappa, Kappa, Gamma Fraternity and Zeta, Phi, Eta Fraternity. On September, 13th, 1941, Grace married Joseph Donald (Don) Koss and he proceeded her in death on June 23, 2002. After graduating, Grace taught speech in the parochial schools in Green Bay and later opened a private speech studio preparing her students for radio shows and other public speaking venues. As her life and family continued to grow, Grace continued the entrepreneurial spirit by opening and operating a cheese store in Green Bay which was known as “The Cheese Hut”. In their retirement, Grace and Don made their home in Sun City Center, Florida and after Don’s death she continued to travel there for several more years, finally moving back to Luxemburg permanently to be closer to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grace’s life included an extensive career in journalism where she began her writing career while a student at Franklin Junior High School and later, as a student at West High School she wrote a column called “Gym Shorts”. Grace was probably the first female sports editor at West High School. As she continued her journalism career, she began writing her column titled “Reaction” for the U.P. Catholic. She had also written her column, various book reviews, and feature articles for The Green Bay Register (now known as “The Compass”) for the Green Bay Diocese. In the 1950’s & 60’s Grace wrote TV spots for the Sacred Heart programs and worked on a national Norbertine periodical for a number of years. Her writing career led to her membership in the National Press Club in Washington D.C., and a life time membership in the National Federation of Press Women, where she served as regional director from 1976 – ‘78. Grace traveled extensively during her career and while attending a press conference in Washington D.C., Grace had the honor and privilege to interview Mother Theresa (Saint Theresa of Calcutta) for her diocesan newspaper column. Grace had served as both member and, on occasion, president for both civic and church organizations most of her life. Organizations for which she was a member and served in some way included the Council for Wisconsin Writers, Inc., the Wisconsin Catholic Conference policy making board, the Green Bay Diocesan American Council for Better Broadcasting, the Brown County Community Relations – Social Development Commission, Green Bay Deanery, the Catholic Women’s Club of Green Bay. Grace founded the Cabrini Library and the MacDowell Club. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and the Service League Auxiliary. Grace was an avid writer, teacher, drama coach, forensic judge, book reviewer, den mom, volunteer, CCD teacher and lector at Mass. She enjoyed watching football, especially the Green Bay Packers. She enjoyed boating, sailing and watching the sunsets over the bay. She also loved gardening, watching the birds at her feeders, reading, attending Mass, the quietness of prayer and enjoying God’s beautiful creation! Despite the many awards and accolades she has earned over her lifetime, her first love was her family to which she was so grateful to God for. Grace wanted her two sons and their spouses to know how grateful she was for their help which allowed her to live independently in her own home for as long as she did. “Not many get to live independently in their own home as long as I have!” Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-laws: Joe (Connie) Koss , Luxemburg; John (Jill Layne) Koss, Dyckesville; six grandchildren: Jeff (Jennifer) Koss, Jason (Tracy) Koss, Joe III (Liz) Koss, Amanda (Tom) Cornette, Nicole Koss, Adam Koss; ten great-grandchildren: Maxwell (special friend Amanda), Marybeth, Zachary, Isaiah, Madelyn, Kamryn, Colton, Hayden, Jordan and Makayla. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Don; one son, James Paul; one great-grandson, Cooper John; one sister-in-law, Mayburn Koss; her parents, Alfred and Mary Johnsen and her mother and father in law, John F. and Mollie Koss. Friends may call between 9:30 am and 10:45 am, Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at St. Mary Church, Luxemburg, WI, Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. at the church with the Rev Milton M. Suess officiating. Burial in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. McMahon Funeral Home, Luxemburg is assisting the Koss Family. www.mcmahonfh.com The Koss Family wishes to extend a special note of thanks to the Staff of Bornemann Senior Community, Green Bay and Unity Hospice for care given to Grace.