John Koslosky

John Austin Koslosky, 72, of Great Falls, passed away at his home after being surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, of natural causes having battled pulmonary fibrosis the past 2.5 years.John was born on D-day, June 6, 1944 in Little Falls, Minnesota, to Oswald George Gus Koslosky and Eva (Ziebol) Koslosky. He grew up in Little Falls and graduated from Little Falls High School in 1962. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with emphasis in economics, finance, business, and marketing from the University of Minnesota - Duluth in 1972 after his service in the Air Force.John enlisted in the Air Force in November 1965. He was stationed at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho and Beale AFB in Yuba City, California. John served his country in Vietnam from September 1967 until September 1968. He reached the rank of E5 by the time he was honorably discharged from his service in November 1971. While he was stationed in Idaho, John met the love of his life, Gaylene Child. They married in Boise on July 1, 1967. During their many years together, they lived in Idaho, California, Minnesota, and North Dakota. They have called Great Falls home since 1979, which is where they raised their three daughters. John worked for the Wells Fargo Corporation for 34 years before retiring in July 2003. During his tenure, he worked for Great Falls National Bank that became Northwestern Bank that became Norwest Bank that became Wells Fargo Bank. He earned numerous professional certificates. He worked through the ranks, starting as a teller during night school to becoming a commercial lender and senior vice-president. After retirement, he became a certified mediator and enjoyed his consulting business.He was a dedicated professional and civic leader. He shared his strong work-ethic and sense of values with all those he encountered. He was an active community member and volunteer. John was a lifetime member and past president of the Uptown Optimist Club, served as chairman for the Military Affairs Committee, past co-president of Fortnightly, finance committee at St. Luke's Catholic Church, was very proud to be part of the first class of Leadership Great Falls, Great Falls Development Corporation, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, Muscular Dystrophy where he met Jerry Lewis, Meadow Lark Country Club member, and a St. Ann's Cathedral member. John was the Employer Outreach Director & Bosslift Coordinator for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Montana Committee, who recently gave him the Seven Seals Award for his outstanding dedication. John was also a Ski Bum who wore his red tam with the yellow pom pom. John's character and integrity was displayed throughout his life.John enjoyed playing softball, hunting, snow skiing, and golfing. You could find John at Showdown skiing in the winter or golfing at the Country Club during the summer. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren or watching their events whether it was soccer, swimming, or ski racing. He loved reading to them.John loved and cared deeply for his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gaylene Koslosky of Great Falls; daughter Robin (Nick) Jankiewicz and their child Kylee Tyler of Great Falls; daughter Paulette (David) Stewart and their children Delaney and Duncan of Helena; daughter Tanya Koslosky (John Delcomte) of Great Falls; grandchild Vincent (Andrea) Koslosky of Great Falls, stationed in San Diego, California; sister Mary Lawrence of Little Falls, Minnesota; sister Marge Wolford of Battle Ground, Washington; brother-in-law Stephen Ritchie of Irvine, California; brother-in-law Larry Child of Gooding, Idaho; brother-in-law Eric (Andrea) Child of Meridian, Idaho; and many other loving family members and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald George and Eva Koslosky; mother and father-in-law, Rex and Vivian Child; sister Martha Taylor; and many other loved family members.Cremation has taken place. A vigil service will be Monday, November 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. The funeral liturgy will be Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 12:00 noon at St. Ann's Cathedral with Father Doyle Oliver presiding, reception to follow. Private family burial will follow at a later date at Fort Harrison in Helena. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.John has asked the Ski Bums wear their red caps/tams to his services.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Ann's Soup Kitchen; Benefis Health Systems Foundation; or the donor's choice.