Fred Michael McCoski, 95, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
Fred was born May 19, 1929, in Amsterdam, New York the son of Polish immigrants, Joseph and Ann (Zawisa) McCoski. Fred graduated from Amsterdam High School and served in the US Army from January 9, 1951 until he was honorably discharged on December 9, 1952. He married Berniece W. Nowakowski on April 25, 1954. She preceded him in death in 1970. Fred later married Nancy Ann Williams on September 18, 1971 in Chicago, Illinois. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2012. Fred is survived by one daughter, Gail (Jim) Cahill of Galesburg; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Keith) Kulow of Iowa Falls, Iowa and Jaclyn (Seth) Shallenberger of Little York, Illinois; and his three beloved great grandchildren, Dolcey, Lucy, and Tinsley. Along with his parents and both his wives, Fred was preceded in death by one son, David McCoski in 1979; one granddaughter, Julie McVey in 2018; two brothers; and one sister.
Fred worked as an industrial electrician for US Steel Corporation for many years until his retirement in 1986. Following retirement, Fred and Nancy moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina. They remained there until 2007 when they moved to Galesburg to be close to their daughter, Gail.
Fred was an avid golfer and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Spartanburg, SC. He was a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He will long be remembered for his witty personality and constant jokes.
Memorial mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Vincent DePaul. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
