George William Koski

Leona Litchke2025-02-17T13:51:51-06:00

Name: George William Koski
Location of Birth: Bovey, Minnesota
Date of Birth: June 7, 1916
Date of Death: July 26, 1994
Parents: Matt Koski & Henrika (Wiiltala) Koski
High School and Class: 1934 Greenway High School, Coleraine, Minnesota
College: St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota - bachelor's degree in music
Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York - master's & doctor in music education
Highest Rank: MAJOR
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: July 22, 1941
Place Sworn In: Portland Airbase, Portland, Oregon
Date of Discharge:
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Civilian Life:
George Koski married Golda Lewman in 1942. He was a professor of music and an accomplished pianist and organist. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, his master’s in music education and doctor in music education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, NY. He also studied symphony conducting at New York City Center. In 1949 he started the Department of Music at Samford University (formerly Howard College), Birmingham, Alabama. The Department was granted full membership in the National Association of Schools of Music in 1956, with Mr. Koski as chairman of the Department. One of his interesting accomplishments was the introduction of the famous St. Olaf choral music style to a southern college. His a capella choir made a highly successful European tour in 1965. He also trained choruses to perform with the Birmingham Symphony and served churches as choirmaster. He was active in civic organizations in Birmingham including the Symphony, Music Club, Downtown Improvement Committee, and the MCA.

George died in Fort Worth, Texas and is buried in Laurel Land Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Golda; daughter Joryn; and two sisters, Alma Hattula and Saima Mitchell. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Waino, Eddie, and Swan; and one sister, Allie.