Albert R. 'Rick' Koss

Catlin- Albert Richard Koss joined our Father in heaven on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 11:33 PM at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on October 26, 1948 in Danville, Illinois to Frank Koss and Ruth Rogers Koss. He was married to Nancy Carol Hix on September 15, 1973 and they lived many happy years in Catlin, Illinois. He was a beloved father to Connie Bartos, and grandfather to William Bartos and Jennifer Bartos. Siblings include Ruth, Connie, Reba, Treva, and Charlie and Suzie Koss of Sidell, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father and brothers, James and Frank Koss. Mr. Koss was a proud United States Marine who served his country in the Vietnam War from July 1967 to August 1968 in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Staff Sgt. Koss participated in battles at Con Thien, Khe Sahn, Hill 881, and Hue City as well as participating in Operation Peagasus and Scotland. Staff Sgt. Koss was wounded Jan 22, 1968 at Con Thien and May 19, 1968 at Khe Sahn receiving two purple hearts, a Presidential unit citation with a Bronze Star and many other meritorious unit citations. He went on to serve the Marine Corps. Reserve for ten years following active duty. Staff Sgt. Koss also founded and served as Vice President of the Danville Chapter of VietNow, a National Vietnam veterans organization whose only goal was to support veterans and their families in any way possible. He helped raise money for the erection of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Springfield, Illinois. He was also one of the founding members of the Kenneth D. Bailey Marine Corp League in Danville, Illinois and a member of the National Marine Corp League. Mr. Koss had retired from General Motors where he had worked for 25 years at the Tilton Central Foundry Plant. He was very proud of his daughter, grandson, and granddaughter, treasuring every moment he was able to spend with them. He enjoyed his long standing friendships with Robert Cole and Johnny McMahon and so many more. Mr. Koss loved working in his yard, his fish pond and watching football. He attended every Salt Fork Storm football game he was able to, being recognized by the team as the number one fan last season. Mr. Koss lived his life by the belief in God, family and country. He made an enormous difference in this world and touched the lives of more people than he was ever aware of. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Graveside services will be held at Danville National Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 28, 2010 for family and friends. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Midwest Dachshund Rescue at www.mwdr.org. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.