Obituary Detail


Richard J. Kossak Jr. - 21
2/9/1988 - 2/7/2010

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home-Somonauk- - Richard J. Kossak, 21, of Somonauk, IL passed away Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was born February 9, 1988 in Downers Grove, IL the son of Richard and Cheri Kossak. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and was attending DePaul University in Chicago. Richard helped create and was the art lead for the video game Devil’s Tuning Fork with the DePaul Game Elites. It won the honor of the top ten video game award at the Independent Games Festival.

He is survived by his parents, Richard and Cheri; two brothers, Justin (Laura) Kossak and Stephen Kossak, all of Somonauk; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Arline Kossak; his beloved dog Penny.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, IL with Pastor Dennis Heaney officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Somonauk. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Memorials may be directed to Make a Wish Foundation or Children’s Memorial Hospital. For more information or to sign the online guest book go to www.Eighnerfuneralhomes.com.

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt. 34 W.
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363


Visitation:
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Service:
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, IL

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Visitor Comments
Rich,Cheri and family You are all in our thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss. Sincerely Scott and Lori Christopher and family.
Lori Christopher
2/8/2010 4:55 PM
 
Rich, Cheri, Justin, Laura and Stephen, I am vey saddened to hear of your huge loss. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Sincerely, Margaret Hardekopf
Margaret Hardekopf
2/8/2010 7:05 PM
 
Dearest Kossak Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was a wonderful young man and will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you all. Lynn and Kathy Ferguson and family
The Ferguson's
2/8/2010 8:00 PM
 
Dear Kossak Family you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was a very special student and it was a pleasure to have him in my class during his seventh and eighth grades in school. Deepest sympathy to all of you. Mrs. Myers (Pat)
Pat Myers
2/8/2010 8:58 PM
 
Rich, Cheri and family, I am so sorry to hear about Richard. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The Somonauk School Community is saddened and has fond memories of Richard throughout his school years. Sincerely, Susan Workman
Susan Workman
2/8/2010 9:07 PM
 
So sorry for your loss. Richard was a very special young man who made an impact on the entire Somonauk community. We were glad to have known him. May God lift you and provide you with strength at this difficult time.
Kris Humes and Allison and Danny
2/8/2010 10:21 PM
 
We are so sorry for your loss. I wish I could find the right words, just know that we are praying for your family at this very sad time. Love, Kevin Dawn Jon and Amanda Napolitano
Dawn Napolitano
2/8/2010 11:24 PM
 
Rich, Cheri, Justin and Stephen, Richard (Chard) was an amazing guy. He was intelligent, caring, funny and so much more. There are no words that can properly communicate my saddness over the loss of Richard. The world is a better place because Richard was in it. The touch he had on so many will live on forever. Huge hugs from Arizona
Nicole VeZain
2/8/2010 11:57 PM
 
We extend our deepest sympathy to your family at this very difficult time. Our hearts ache for you, and although our paths have crossed infrequently, you are like family, because of the bond of friendship developed between Richard and Kevin, & Ivan, too, since the day the three became freshmen roommates at DePaul. Richard was such a fine young man with awesome talent, and we are blessed to have known him as one of our son's best friends. So many memories have been made in almost 4 years, and Kevin and Ivan will especially miss him in their lives. You are in our thoughts and prayers..may God wrap you in His Love and give you peace.
Lisa & John Geisler
2/9/2010 1:06 AM
 
Dear Kossak Family, Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Richard was a bright young man who will be missed by many. The Plante Family
Mary Plante
2/9/2010 6:41 AM
 
Dear Rich, Cheri and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Richard was just an awesome young man and we felt privileged to know him. We have such fond memories of the time he spent at our home with all of you and when he and Marcus and all the guys got together for fun and friendship. He will be greatly missed and there will be an empty spot in our hearts for your courageous and kind son. Please accept our condolences and may God hold Richard in his loving arms and grant you peace. All our love, Mark and Donna Toft and family
Mark & Donna Toft
2/9/2010 9:44 AM
 
Dear Rich, Cheri, Justin, Stephen, and family, Richard, as all of the Kossak boys, was a wonderful kid and you know how much I loved having him in my fourth grade class so many years ago. He always put a smile on my face with his great sense of humor. He was so eager to please and seriously a dream student to have! As he grew older I loved that he still had that full of life and hope kind of attitude - one that he no doubt got from his family. I am reminded, as I think back on my memories of Richard, that he taught so many of us the miracle of hope and I will never forget how awesome it was to have the whole community working together for Richard when he was so sick. At this very, very sad time I want to say that miracles do happen and Richard was great proof of that. He faced a challenge and overcame nearly the impossible. It is no wonder why God would love to surround himself with such a beautiful soul as Richard. I'm just so sad for all of us that God needed him so soon. Please know how deeply saddened and sorry I am for your loss. Richard has left footprints on so many hearts, including mine, and he will be deeply missed so much! You are in my thoughts, prayers, and heart always! Love MM
Dani Miller & family
2/9/2010 10:13 AM
 
Dear Rich, Cheri, Justin, Stephen, and family, Richard, as all of the Kossak boys, was a wonderful kid and you know how much I loved having him in my fourth grade class so many years ago. He always put a smile on my face with his great sense of humor. He was so eager to please and seriously a dream student to have! As he grew older I loved that he still had that full of life and hope kind of attitude - one that he no doubt got from his family. I am reminded, as I think back on my memories of Richard, that he taught so many of us the miracle of hope and I will never forget how awesome it was to have the whole community working together for Richard when he was so sick. At this very, very sad time I want to say that miracles do happen and Richard was great proof of that. He faced a challenge and overcame nearly the impossible. It is no wonder why God would love to surround himself with such a beautiful soul as Richard. I'm just so sad for all of us that God needed him so soon. Please know how deeply saddened and sorry I am for your loss. Richard has left footprints on so many hearts, including mine, and he will be deeply missed so much! You are in my thoughts, prayers, and heart always! Love MM
Dani Miller & family
2/9/2010 10:15 AM
 
Dear Kossak Family, Please know we are deeply saddened by your loss. We will be praying for all of you during this most difficult time! The Craig Zuege Family
Lynda Zuege
2/9/2010 10:45 AM
 
My deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of your love one, God be with all of you during this very sad time, and in the days, months and years to come. I'm Amy's mother, she called to let me know that your son had passed away, so sad to learn of his passing. Thoughts and prayers our with all of you.
Sharon James
2/9/2010 1:47 PM
 
i'm so sorry to hear of your son's too early passing, cheri. i know your family had big plans for richard, and it's so sad to hear that his time was cut all too short. my thoughts are with stephen as well- i hope & pray he's holding up during this one of life's most difficult moments. i was just reading this morning that "my strength is made perfect in weakness" i sure hope that holds true for you & your family. god bless
dana bozza (ina's granddaughter) and family
2/9/2010 2:15 PM
 
Dear Kossak Family. I was saddened to hear of your loss. In searching for words to express my sympathy to you I came across the following. They are not original, but do express what is on my heart. Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache:but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.The sorrow of the faithful is not that of permanent loss, but the tender sense of sadness that comes in saying good-bye for now to someone we love. May today's sorrow give way to the peace and comfort of God's love. I will be praying for your family that God will help you as you struggle to carry on.
Sherrie Benoit and Family
2/9/2010 2:28 PM
 
Kossak Family, I did not know your son personally, but I know he is a part of our DePaul University community. My heart goes out to you and to your son's friends and peers who will miss him at DePaul. The universiy issued a Bereavement Notice this morning and I just wanted to let you know that our deepest sympathies are truly with you as it is very sad to learn of such a loss at DePaul University and for all of you personally. Sincerely, Victoria Van Kirk, Housing Services
Victoria Van Kirk
2/9/2010 5:19 PM
 
Dear Kossak Family, Richard was my student in two Honors classes during his first year at DePaul, and I'm deeply saddened to learn of his sudden death. He was a fine student and an important member of the Honors Program. I was very impressed by Richard's academic success and his considerable achievements in the Gaming Design program; there was so much hope for the future there. We will all miss him very much. I send my deepest sympathy to you in this great loss, and wish you comfort. --Helen Marlborough, Director, University Honors Program
Helen Marlborough
2/9/2010 6:21 PM
 
Dear Kossak Family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jayne Turner
Jayne Turner
2/10/2010 8:20 AM
 
Dear Kossak Family, we are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Richard. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Tom, Dian, Christopher and Alyssa Nielsen
The Nielsen Family
2/10/2010 11:13 AM
 
Justin, Laura, and the entire Kossak family, I'm so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God bless Richard and your family. Dougger
Doug Sand
2/10/2010 11:22 AM
 
Dear Kossak Family, we are saddened to hear about your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers to get through this trying time. Sincerely, Michelle, Michael and Zachary Jump
The Jump Family
2/10/2010 12:23 PM
 
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kossak and family, We were stunned to hear of Richard's passing. We knew of Richard through Christi and Cameron. They shared pictures, stories and the entire account of his courageous fight. Richard's journey was an inspiration to many. You have our deepest sympathy. May God's hand of comfort sustain you. Denise and Michael White Scott Depot, West Virginia
Denise and Michael White
2/10/2010 12:34 PM
 
Dear Mr and Mrs Kossak and family. I am writing with such saddness of learning of Richards passing. I knew of Richard through Christi Gibson. She spoke of Richard often and lovingly as one of her own. I came to know Richard during his brave battle a few years back. My prayers and support were with him and your family during his courageous battle, and they continue with you all now. With deepest sympathy. Sandie Hodel-Runtz
Sandy Hodel-Runtz
2/10/2010 5:50 PM
 
Dear Mr and Mrs Kossak and sons, I want to extend my deepest sympathy for all of you at this very sad time. I knew Richard from my sister, Christi Gibson and Cameron especially at the birthday party's and fun times at Cameron's. Such a terrible loss as Richard had such a wonderful life full of family, friends, and community loved one's. My prayers are with all of you. May our Lord give you strength and hope at this sad time. Nancy Olson
Nancy Olson
2/10/2010 7:37 PM
 
There are no words and I will not pretend to make any sense of this unspeakable tragedy. I was just informed of the news from Craig Scott, who himself had just recieved the news from Bill Coley. Andrea and I as well as the children are greiving with you and for you and we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Karl Solms
2/10/2010 8:15 PM
 
Dear Cheri and Rich: All too sadly, I know your sorrow and feel your pain. The loss of a child is so very hard, but the love of God, family and friends will help you, Stephen, Justin and Laura thru this tragedy. Richard left so many wonderful memories and nothing can take them away. Know I'm thinking of you and praying you find all the strength you need to help you thru this. Sincerely,
Janet Baker
2/10/2010 9:19 PM
 
Dear Kossak family, So very sorry for your loss. Richard was a gift. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amanda Taxis
2/11/2010 9:27 AM
 
Dear Kossak Family, Just want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Memories and time seem like such a small thing but it will help. Richard was an extraordinary youngman and you had the privilage of being his parents, brothers and brother-in-law. You were so very blessed. Jim & Karen Wasson
Karen Wasson
2/11/2010 12:52 PM
 
Rich, Cheri, Justin, Laura and Stephen, We are very saddened to hear of Richard's passing. He was certainly an extraordinary young man and will be missed by many. Please know you are in our prayers... With love, Gary & Pat Dinges
Pat & Gary Dinges
2/11/2010 5:19 PM
 
Dear Kossak Family, My family and i are sorry to hear of your loss. Richard fought a tough battle through out he was an such a kind and smart young man, he will be missed my many. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and may God guide you thru these tough times. God Bless, Nicci, Jessica, Shelly & Don The Schultz Family
Nicci Schultz
2/11/2010 9:56 PM
 
Dear Kossak Family: I was sadden to hear about Richard's death. I got an email late last night. My self and my partner Jodi Thunder were his wish granters from Make a Wish. I wanted to let you know the short time we met your family it was a memorable experince. Richard quiet but proud was a magical person. I remember him showing his bedroom to us with all the Simpson memorablia. He and your family touched our hearts. We always talk about his wish to other families. I want you to know that Richard has touched so many children with his wish experience. I pray for your family that you find comfort in the time that comes ahead. We will always remember Richard. Make.a Wish wish granters Dori De La Cruz Jodi Thunder
dori delacruz
2/12/2010 11:32 AM
 
I am so very sorry for your loss. Richard was a very special person that will be remember by all he touched. He was a very courageous young man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories bring you strength in the days, weeks and years to come.
Sue Keenan and family
2/12/2010 12:38 PM
 
I AM VERY SORRY RICHARD MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE AND MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD BE WITH YOU. LOVE YOU MAN.
Dennis
3/2/2010 7:44 PM
 

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