Obituary of Dick Koos

Dick (Frederick R.) Koos Dick (Frederick R.) Koos, age 80, affectionately known as "Papa", of Millcreek Twp., formerly of Wesleyville, went home to be with the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, February 22, 2010, at his residence, while being surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Erie on May 11, 1929, the son of the late Theodore and Loretta Murphy Koos. Dick was an active member of Grace Church where he loved to sing and worship our Lord through contemporary Christian music. He and his wife, Betty, served in the Hospitality Ministry as Greeters of Grace, and they also worked in the kitchen together. He was also an active volunteer at the PA Soldiers and Sailors Home for over 25 years, where he joyfully shared the good news about the Son of God, to those who were willing to listen to him. Dick was a graduate of Strong Vincent School, and he pursued various courses of study at Erie Commercial College. He was a Korean War Veteran, and belonged to the 979th Field Artillery Battalion. Dick was retired from General Electric Co., following 25 years of service. He enjoyed watching amateur wrestling matches at the high school and college level, and he was also a faithful fan of the Cleveland Browns for most of his life. He enjoyed traveling with his son to various places in PA, OH, Indiana, and Kentucky where his son acquired a variety of preaching assignments in these locations. The Holy Scriptures of the Christian faith (the Bible) was his favorite book of all time, but he was also a faithful reader of the Daily Bread and the Erie Times News. He also enjoyed the times of theological study and discussion, and one of his favorite books was Systematic Theology by Dr. Wayne Grudem. He had his own Facebook fan page, where at least 230 supporters shared their love for him. He enjoyed gardening, and was thrilled to give his vegetables away, especially his tomatoes. Walking and woodworking were also two of his favorite pastimes. Dick and his wife, Betty, loved to dance, and on one occasion they actually won a Jitterbug contest. Dick always had a project going, and he was essentially finished with his last project of enclosing and winterizing his back porch before he became too ill to finish the few minor touch-up items that remained. Most of all, Dick enjoyed the many good times of laughter with his family, friends and his three pet kitties, Brooke, Dolly, and Flo. Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Jane Grack Koos, who entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, June 13, 2009, one granddaughter, Abigail Sirak, and one brother, Theodore Koos. Survivors include his three children, Carrie Koos Mason (Bill) of Harborcreek, Cory Koos and Mary Koos Sirak (Michael) all of Millcreek; one brother, Monsignor Gerald Koos; five grandchildren, Rachel Mason Lusky (Brian), Amy Mason, Corynn and Janell Koos, and Rebekah Sirak; many nieces and nephews; and a great granddaughter, soon to be born. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday from 3 until 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service at Grace Church on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., which will be officiated by the Rev., Dr. Al Detter. Interment Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to People for Life, 1625 West 26th St., Erie, PA 16508, Grace Church, 7300 Grubb Rd, McKean, PA 16426, or directly to the surviving family of the dearly departed. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video