Carl J. Koss

Carl J. Koss, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to complications from COVID-19.

Carl was born in Knowlton, Wis., on the 19th day of October, 1937. Carl was the son of the late Leonard and Irene (Brish) Koss.

Carl graduated from Mosinee High School in the class of 1955. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and considered it an honor to serve his country. After the military, he started his career at the Mosinee Paper Corporation where he worked for nearly 40 years before retiring. He wanted to keep himself busy, so he started working at Maple Ridge Farms. He was employed there for over 20 years, and he often joked that once he got to 25 years, he would receive a Rolex watch.

On May 7, 1959, Carl married the love of his life, Arnelle Champine. He often remarked how truly lucky he was to have such a classy lady like Arnelle fall in love with him. Carl and Arnelle had two wonderful children together, of whom they were very proud, Terri and Rick. Carl and Arnelle spent 26 beautiful years of marriage together before her passing in 1986.

Throughout his life, Carl dedicated much of his time to his many hobbies and interests. In his younger days, Carl filled some of his time playing in area softball and bowling leagues, but his real passion was golfing. He was an avid golfer throughout his life, and he was very proud to be a founding member and builder of the Indianhead Golf Course in Mosinee. He was a dedicated fan of local sports, as well as a loyal supporter of the Green Bay Packers. In addition to his love for sports, Carl was also very musically-inclined, playing both trumpet and guitar in a polka band called the Polka Knights, where they played for many weddings and festivals in the area. He was also a proud member of the local Elks club, as well as a devoted member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mosinee.

Carl was the type of man that had unlimited energy and enthusiasm for new adventures and challenges. This was evident in the things to which he dedicated his time to up until his passing. He enjoyed walking three miles every day, and he still played golf at a high level, often shooting well below his age. He very much looked forward to his summers, which were largely spent golfing with his dear friend Betty at golf courses around Wisconsin. He also enjoyed golfing every Tuesday morning with a group of buddies at Indianhead, which was a standing date during the summer months. Another one of the highlights that he looked forward to every year were spending time with his family during the holidays. Wii bowling competitions were an annual Christmas tradition; he often times out-bowled his college-aged grandchildren, of which would put a smile on his face for the rest of the weekend. He was a loyal, faithful friend and supporter of his family and many long-time friends, as well as friends he just met. Carl radiated positivity and passion for life, which was evident in his numerous life endeavors, accomplishments, and friendships.

Carl is preceded in death by his wife Arnelle, sister Val and brother-in-law Bud Kesy, brother Don Koss, brother-in-law Orville Robbins, brother-in-law Bob Wagner, brother-in-law Bob Hubbard, and nephews Randy Hubbard and Derek Wilke.
Carl is survived by his two children: daughter Terri (Steve) Hagman of Neenah, WI and son Rick (Jeraldine) Koss of Holmen, WI; three grandchildren: Stephanie (Josh Frederick) Koss of Chicago, IL, Max Koss of Madison, WI, and Mason Koss of Holmen, WI; sisters Barb (Fred) Wilke and Pam Hubbard, sister-in-law Anita Koss, sister-in-law Donna Robbins, brother-in-law Lyle (Marilyn) Champine, brother-in-law Gary Champine, and brother-in-law Bill (Kathy) Champine. He is also survived by his very special friend Betty Hoops.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, no services are being arranged at this time. A celebration of Carl’s life will be scheduled at a later date for his family and friends. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.bestefh.com.
The Koss family would like to thank Daniel Line, PA and Benjamin Kaster, MD, as well as the rest of the medical staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, for taking such phenomenal care of Carl during his final days.

Dad, Grandpa, Carly Man… you will be forever in our hearts. The loss we feel is immeasurable, but we also feel comfort knowing that you are now reunited with your love, Arnelle, after 34 years of being apart.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.”