BERNARD KOSIOREK

Bernard J. Ben Kosiorek, of Menasha, age 91, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2011. He was born December 5, 1920 in Menasha, son of the late Maryan and Martha (Kiersztyn) Kosiorek. Ben was a lifelong resident of Menasha. He served in the US Army during WWII in Europe as a T-5 Technical Sergeant in the 510th Ordinance Division of Pattons army. He married Patricia Arft on June 1, 1946. Ben was employed by the Neenah-Menasha Sewage Commission and retired after 38 years. He was a gentle, quite man who loved his family and enjoyed their get-togethers. Ben loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed going to his cabin in northern Wisconsin. Ben was a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church in Menasha, and also was a member of the Valley Pigeon Racing Club. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Patricia; a daughter, Debora (Joseph) Thiel, Menasha; four sons: Thomas (MaryJo) Kosiorek, Sherwood, John Kosiorek, Lodi, Richard (Judy) Kosiorek, Darboy, Gary (Bonnie) Kosiorek, Appleton; eight grandchildren: Derek (Sara), Tyler (Kristina), Ryan (Brittney), Mitchell (Amanda), Brent (Cassy), Benjamin, Abbey and Megan; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters: Ann Zimmer, Helen (Lupe) Solis, Marcella (Henry) Heiman; three brothers: Joseph Sr. (Patricia), Carl (Patricia), Walter; three sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Arft, Joan Arft, Vonnie Arft; a brother-in-law, Robert Arft; wife of a close friend, Mary Brehm; and many nieces and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his step-mother, Alice; a sister, Celia; a brother, Marion; his brothers-in-law: Donald Arft, Jack Arft, Eugene Court, Harvey Zimmer; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Court, Mel Arft, Delores Arft, Theodora Kosiorek; and his close friend, Joe Brehm. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 320 Nicolet Blvd., Menasha, with Fr. Larry Abler officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Military rites will follow at the church and interment will be in St. Margarets Cemetery. A memorial is being established in his name. Bens family would like to thank the staff of Vallhaven Care Center for their compassionate care. Dad, we love you and can only hope that Heaven is prepared to have you and your best bud, Joe Brehm, back together again!