Jean Marie (Morris) Koski

Jean Marie Koski was born on July 6, 1935 to Franklin and Astrid Morris, the second of nine children, and grew up on the west side of Medicine Lake.  She graduated from Wayzata High School in 1953, attended the University of Minnesota briefly, and worked at Donaldson’s in Minneapolis until her marriage to William John Koski on June 4, 1955.  To this union were born three children, William, Cynthia and Kristen.  Jean was a devoted stay at home mother, much involved in her children’s activities.   

Her life changed dramatically on January 21, 1985 when her beloved husband, Bill, died tragically in the Galaxy plane crash in Reno, Nevada.  Jean’s large family played a significant role in helping Jean and the kids struggle through this trauma. 

Jean decided to complete her education and help others on their journey through life.  She attended classes at Metropolitan State and the University of Minnesota receiving her Bachelor’s degree.  Jean then went to St. Mary’s and received her Master’s degree and was able to graduate with her son Bill and walk the stage together to receive their degrees.      

Jean became a licensed Psychologist and spent most of her career in private practice as a therapist working in the field of grief counseling as well as individual counseling.  Following training at the Johnson Institute she also worked as a consultant for Community Intervention, training educators, law enforcement personnel, and community members in the field of Chemical Dependency throughout the U.S. 

In 2008 she made another major life change when she retired at 70 and married Don Chillstrom, who had lost his wife to cancer.  They spent much of the next 15 years dividing their time between Plymouth, MN and Green Valley, AZ as well as traveling extensively by motorhome throughout much of the country. 

Following a mild stroke in 2016, Jean began showing signs of dementia which slowly progressed to the point she needed to enter a memory care facility in November of 2021.  Jean suffered a major stroke on December 1, 2022 and passed away on the morning of December 3 in the company of Cindy, Kris and beloved sister Deb.   

She is survived by husband Don, children, William (Val), Cynthia (former son-in-law Bob Schlotz), Kristen (Tom), grandchildren Jon, Kim, Jean Marie, Katelyn, Will, Ken, Becca, Sara, Kyle, and Josie, great grandkids Khylie, Cora, Oliver, Jack, Via and Luka.  Also survived by her beloved siblings Ted, Jim, Charlie, Barb, Mike, Tom, Ron and Deb, sisters in law Alice and Julie along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jean was a kind, loving, fun human being. 

Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022 at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at church.  Private interment Parker’s Lake Cemetery, Plymouth.  Memorials may be directed to the church. 

You can view the service at Spdlc.org/livestream

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