Steven Alan Kosak, 77 of Valparaiso, peacefully passed away in his sleep Monday, September 8, 2025. He was born October 1, 1947, in Gary, IN, to the late Casimir Kosak and Dorothy (nee Krajack) Ciesielski. Steve graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1966 and was set on his life’s course when he married his high school sweetheart Karen Lynn Kosak (nee Shipley) on April 25, 1967. Simultaneously he embarked on a career in the steel mills (Cleveland-Cliffs, ArcelorMittal etc.) in various positions over the course of his 45 years of service. He was an active union man, a proud past president of the United Steelworkers Local 1011.
They raised three children who will remain eternally grateful for all the love and support which they provided: Shelly Kosak (Christopher Cosner, spouse) of Mountain View, CA; Stacy Kosak-Roberts (Stephen Roberts) of San Antonio, TX: and Steven T. Kosak (Erica Smith) of Chicago, IL.
In retirement, he and his adored wife moved to a charming cottage near a lake where he enjoyed fishing and captaining his pontoon boat “Big Red”. He volunteered with the Burlington Beach Improvement Association, as both Treasurer and Boat Dock Chairman. Excursions to Europe and Alaska were exciting and fulfilled lifelong dreams. He was immensely proud of his precious grandchildren, Whitman and Quincy Kosak, Clare Cosner, and Sterling Roberts, with whom he loved playing boardgames, especially poker.
He is survived by his dear sister, Carolyn Bentley; and his beloved cat, Rocky. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen in 2019; his brothers, Sam and Larry Kosak, and sister, Barbara Kosak.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Independent Cat Society, 4061 S. County Line Rd., Westville, IN 46391.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry to hear of Stephan's passing. I never got to meet him but his daughter Shelly is my nephew's wife. I hope the family will find comfort in memories of good times shared with the deceased! It is my prayer someone will take care of his cat until its demise. Animals are a part of our lives! -Jane Cook Anderson
