George Kosin, 85

George Edward Kosin, 85, died September 26, 2012 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

George was born in Duluth on December 28, 1926, the son of Edward F. and Medora (Nesbitt) Kosin. He attended schools in Duluth through the 8th grade and then moved with his family to Minneapolis where he graduated from Patrick Henry High School early in December 1944 so that he could enlist in the United States Navy on December 26, 1944.

George was first sent to boot camp in Illinois and then went to Electrician Mate School in Jackson, Mississippi before being sent to California where he was shipped to Samar, Philippines and assigned to a Navy ammunition depot. While in the Philippines he remembers serving as a duty electrician and a movie operator. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in August 1946.

He spent two quarters at the University of Minnesota before accepting employment at the Northern States Power Company on September 15, 1947. He continued to work for Northern States Power until his retirement on June 1, 1984. During his career at NSP, he started as an apprentice lineman and retired as an administrator in the labor relations office.

On April 27, 1951, George was united in marriage to Helen Larson at the Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The couple lived in Crystal and later moved to Maple Grove where they became charter members of the Advent Lutheran Church. George served on the Board of Advent Lutheran.

In 1962, George joined the Minnesota Masons Lodge Winslow Lewis #125. In 1969, he joined the Minneapolis Shriners Zuhrah Temple and later in Alexandria transferred to the Alexandria Constellation Lodge #81 and the Osman Shrine Club.

Upon retiring to Alexandria, George was active in the Alexandria Water District and the L’Homme Dieu Lake Association. He was a craftsman and enjoyed woodworking, building wooden airplanes and birdfeeders. He also built his own houses and was an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Kosin of Alexandria; son, Bruce Kosin of Blaine; daughter, Lynnea (John) Schwieters of Dellwood; grandchildren, Alexis Kosin, Sydney Kosin, Edward Kosin, Blake Schwieters, George Schwieters, and J. Cooper Schwieters; and sister, Marillyn Veidel of Brooklyn Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held Monday, October 8 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Hans Dahl officiating. Music will be provided by Becky Worley and Andrea Olson. Inurnment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Visitation is Sunday, October 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Masonic service scheduled at 7 p.m.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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