Michelle Ann Koss

Michelle Ann Koss, of Bryant, a longtime advocate for health and fitness in the community, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in a bicycling accident. She was 53 years old. Michelle constantly worked to promote and encourage athletes of all abilities throughout Langlade County. She most recently established and managed the Jack Lake Splash-N-Dash, a unique aquathon based at Veterans Memorial Park involving swimming and running components. She was also among the organizers—along with being a competitor and winner—of the Wolfman Triathlon, a mix of cycling, running and kayaking along the Wolf River. Both are annual events. An avid skier, she competed in the American Birkebeiner ski race from Cable to Hayward many times with her husband, Tom, and other family members. She enjoyed spending time at Sawyer Lake with her family and friends. Born May 6, 1962 in Antigo, she was a daughter of Michael and Judy (Follstad) Black. She married Tom Koss on Nov. 28, 1992 at the Black family home in Kempster. She was a 1980 graduate of Elcho High School and first worked for as a medical assistant for Dr. Ted Fox and Dr. John McKenna at the General Clinic. She later attended nursing school at Northcentral Technical College, and worked with Dr. Jay Turnbull as a registered nurse for many years. Michelle most recently worked as registered nurse and diabetic educator at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. She was a member of St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva. In addition to her husband, Tom, and parents, Michael and Judy Black, survivors include a daughter, Heidi (Matt) Jaeckel of Lyons, Colo.; four sons, Brady Koss of Antigo, Trevor Koss of Seattle, Wash., Aaron Koss, currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Colin Koss of Antigo; a granddaughter, Luna Jaeckel of Lyons, Colo.; four sisters, Colleen (Glen) Krivoshein of Antigo, Mary Lynn Russo of North Carolina, Amy (Todd) Joerns of Rhinelander, and Carrie (Tim) Barnes of Milwaukee; a brother, Mark (Debbie) Black of Kempster; her father-in-law Stanley Koss of Antigo; many nieces and nephews; and her husband's seven brothers and sisters and their families. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Betty Koss. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo, with Rev. David Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hoffmann Hall located at St. John Catholic Church, with parish wake service at 4 p.m. and rosary at 7 p.m. A second visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials in Michelle's name will be divided evenly among Antigo High School's cross country, swimming, and track.