Tauno Olavi Koski, 86, of Crystal Falls, went to be with the Lord on November 30, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. He was born at 4:00 a.m. on a snowy, February 12th, 1923, morning, son of the late Ivar and Edla (Kettula) Koski. He married the former Ilona Rajala on December 6, 1946, in Crystal Falls. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2000. Tauno was a Life Member of the Tufts-Rondon Post No. 2891 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Louis Bowman Post No. 87 American Legion, Crystal Falls. He served during WWII in the United States Army. Tauno saw action in the South Pacific, New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan. After his honorable discharge at the end of the war, he returned to Crystal Falls. He worked in the woods and at the Amasa sawmill until he began his 30 year mining career at the Bristol Mine, Crystal Falls, and Sherwood Mine, Iron River. Tauno was in a mining accident in 1977, and spent 58 days in the Marquette General Hospital. He recovered with disabilities. Tauno was an avid outdoorsman and spent many hours hunting and trapping. When he wasn't busy outdoors, he spent time in the garage building an air boat, snowplanes, and working on his Oliver Crawler Tractor and dump truck. Even with his disability, Tauno and Ilona were always there for their children. He spent his time walking and taking rides with his son's Scottish Terrier, "Skooter Rose," which he said, "has kept him going." Tauno is survived by his children, Earl (Dr. Bonnie) Koski, Crystal Falls, Mikhael (Paulette) Koski, Wausau, Wis., Victor (Virginia) Koski, Crystal Falls, Sigrid (Raymond) Kauffman, Crystal Falls; six grandchildren, Matthew, Amelia, and Jason Koski, Alisa (Jamie) Santi, Mark and Laura Kauffman; and one great-grandchild, Saima Santi. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ilona Koski; his parents; a brother, Arne; an infant brother, Unto; and a granddaughter, Crystal Rose Kauffman. Pallbearers will include Jason Koski, Matthew Koski, Mark Kauffman, Jamie Santi, Don Echola, and Ray Mattson. You may light a candle in remembrance of Tauno or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family. Visitation will be Friday, December 4, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church, Crystal Falls. The East Side Veterans Council will conduct a Pass-In-Review Ceremony 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Rev. Michael Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls.