The City of St. Michael is mourning the loss of one of their own, as engineering technician Steven Koskela, just 55 years old, died Friday, March 18, 2016, unexpectedly, at his home in Hanover.
Koskela worked in the St. Michael engineering department, helping to pave the way for the city’s future when it came to everything from housing developments, roadwork, highways, business redevelopment and expansion and much more. The city’s engineering department took heavy hits after the 2008 housing crash, but Koskela was part of a team that picked up extra work and kept the city going as the economy rebounded.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected death of Steve Koskela, one of our Engineer Technicians over the weekend,” city staff noted on social media Monday, March 21. “Since 2006, we have had the joy of working with Steve and he will be greatly missed around City Hall and on many job sites throughout St. Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Patty and three children.”
With the city since 2006, Koskela worked with the engineering department on many projects that shaped St. Michael as it is today, including segments on the one-way pair, the St. Michael City Center building location and the current housing developments on the city’s south, east and west borders.
Memorial services for Steve Koskela will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., both at the Alleluia Lutheran Church, located at The Historic Church, 14 Main Street N., St. Michael. The will be a reception following the services.
Steve was born June 24, 1960 to Ernie and May (White) Koskela in Minneapolis. He graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1978. Following graduation, he received his education from North Dakota State University and Wadena Technical School.
From his obituary, courtesy of Peterson Chapel (St. Michael-Albertville):
On July 2, 1983, Steve married Patty, they were married for 32 years and were proud to raise three children. Honest and private, Steve was as loving a husband, father, and grandfather as anyone could have asked.
Having spent the majority of his career as a civil engineer and construction manager, he is noted by his City of Marshall, City of Plymouth, and City of St. Michael colleagues as respected, hard-working, and dedicated.
Steve enjoyed fishing extreme hours, hunting, and the camaraderie of the FinnPac. Being ‘Up North’ was his passion…at the family cabin, cutting wood, drinking coffee,teaching his grandkids how to cast a reel, having a beer, frying fish. He looked forward to traveling with Patty to explore their next, new destination. And, he liked writing IN ALL CAPS.
Above all, he was happiest while being active spending time with his family, looking forward to family gatherings filled with food, games, activity, and laughter from his grandkids.
Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Patty; his children, Jessica (Kurt) Johnson of Hanover, Dustin Koskela of Mound, and Kristin (James) Telste of Maple Grove; four grandchildren, Bennett, Cole, Paisley, and Madden; sister, Sherri (Joe) Galloway of Ironton; and brother, Brian (Sheri) Koskela of Dayton; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and, beloved German Shorthaired Pointers: Ace, Josie, and Jake.
Memorial service for Steve will be