George Robert Koscielak (1926-2008)

NELSON, KOSCIELAK

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 5/29/2016 at 03:18:26

George Robert Koscielak

George Robert Koscielak, 81, of 3809 SW 2nd St, formerly of 2794 60th St, Des Moines, IA, died June 13, 2008, at the Kavanagh House on 56th St of infection brought about by cognitive impairment (early Alzheimer’s) that developed in 2001. The body was cremated and buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Primghar, O’Brien County, IA. Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home handled arrangements.

He is survived by his wife Edna of Des Moines, three children: Janet, Susan, and son, John P. Koscielak; two sisters: Margaret & Delores. Memorial to Hospice of Central Iowa, the Kavanagh House, or the Alzheimer's Association.

George was born in Des Moines, IA on Dec. 13, 1926, to Joseph P. Koscielak and Elizabeth A. (Sojka) Koscielak. He attended Riley Grade School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in June 1944.

On February 26, 1945, he entered into service in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Manila, Philippines and Tokyo, Japan as a radio and cable technician. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant on Dec. 11, 1946.

After military service he attended watchmaker school in Denver, CO. He interned in Le Mars, IA. After his graduation, he worked as a watchmaker in Estherville and Armstrong, IA.

On Aug. 13, 1950, he married Edna June Nelson (1924-1950) in Primghar, IA. He moved back to Des Moines in 1953. He worked as a watchmaker and fireman. He started working for the Postal Service in 1954 and retired with 32 years of service as a letter carrier in 1986.

George enjoyed many hobbies. He was a former member of the Des Moines Scuba Club and the Des Moines Rose Society. He continued to repair watches for friends and family in his spare time. As an amateur photographer he developed his own pictures in a darkroom he built.

He was a dedicated runner. At age 51 he entered and finished the Drake Marathon. He was an avid fisherman and spent every summer at his cabin on Island Lake near Duluth, MN.

Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, June 15, 2008, p33