Gregory Wallace Kosbau

Gregory Wallace Kosbau, 57, of Palisade and Blackduck, MN was born June 15 of 1966 in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada. From the age of 3, Greg lived in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba with his foster family Irene and Walter Talpash and siblings Boris, Harry, Sonia, and Daria, all of whom he loved and remained in contact with throughout his lifetime. In 1974, Greg (along with sister Tammy) was adopted by Betty and Harold Kosbau and siblings Hal and Cathe of Grand Rapids, MN.  

Greg loved growing up with his family in Grand Rapids as well as living and working on the Kosbau Brothers wild rice farm near Aitkin, MN. Greg enjoyed school and was an exceptional student who excelled in all subjects, especially math. He was quick to learn and often helped others by tutoring. He loved spending time with his dad, brother, and Uncle Franklin Kosbau on the farm, and enjoyed working on equipment and learning mechanics. Greg’s hobbies when he was young included working on model cars and planes. He spent hours after school and on weekends creating his own versions of models by adding spare parts gathered from previous projects and, much to his mom’s dismay, pens and other little objects he would search out throughout the house. None of our ballpoint pens had the little springs inside! He loved creating and working with his hands on woodworking projects. For several years Greg had dreams of becoming an architect and his parents supported him by giving a full set of architectural tools including a drafting table. He would spend his free time drafting plans for office buildings and homes. Greg loved being with his family and friends. He had a close circle of friends of which he took the time and energy to know well. He was known amongst those he was closest to for standing up for who and what he believed in. He was a true friend who could always be counted on. 

After graduating from Grand Rapids Senior High School in 1984, Greg attended both Itasca Community College and Bemidji State University before joining the US Air Force in 1987. He was stationed at Loring Air Force base in Maine. Greg worked on both generators and the arresting barriers on the tarmacs. In his spare time he continued to hone his skills of working on engines and vehicles of all kinds. After the death of his brother Hal, Greg left the Air Force with an Honorable Discharge to return home to help on the family farm. 

In 1990, Greg met the love of his life, Susan Lowe, and they married in 1991. Greg became husband and father and provider for his family including Jeremy, Kimberly, and Krista, who he loved with all of his heart. Susan and Greg started their long and happy life together in Aitkin, MN, eventually also having homes in Blackduck and Palisade, MN. 

Greg decided to return to college and graduated with his B.S. in Education from St. Cloud State University in 2003. He held several positions in schools including Kelliher, the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, Cass Lake, and most recently in Walker Hackensack Akeley Public Schools. Along with various subjects, Greg mainly taught industrial technology (shop) classes. He was able to combine his natural talent of teaching with his love of building, creating and fixing. Greg was respected and loved by his students who so often would express how important he was to them and what an impact he made on their lives and education. He was a mentor and friend, understanding how to bring out the best in his students while treating them with respect and compassion. When Greg received his cancer diagnosis, many students, parents, and fellow teachers reached out with words of support and gratitude. After a benefit held at the Walker school, he received many touching tributes including several hundred handwritten cards from those he impacted throughout the years. Students from previous graduating classes would come back to visit Greg and share with him how special he made them feel and what they learned from him about working hard and contributing to the world in a meaningful way.  

Greg was most proud of his long and loving marriage of 32+ years, and of his family. Susan and Greg as partners are a wonderful example to their children and grandchildren of what love is - having fun together and caring for and supporting each other each day no matter the circumstances. Greg had a special bond with his grandsons Joshua and Micah, spending time with them at every opportunity since they were born. He was a cherished mentor and father figure to them, as he was to so many. Greg is remembered by all who knew him as a caregiver and teacher who would always pitch in on any project and help those in need. He was kind and didn’t judge others. He was always ready to listen and support you when you needed him. He loved animals and Susan and Greg had many dogs, cats, and horses through the years. Greg loved to laugh and was a great story teller and gifted public speaker. He was called upon to preach at several churches through the years and at many functions including graduation ceremonies, family weddings and celebrations of life. Not enough can be said about the kind of man that Greg was and his capacity to love and be loved. He was strong in his faith throughout his lifetime and we know for certain that he is with his family in heaven.  

Greg Kosbau passed away on March 21, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Susan, sisters Cathe (Rob) Dahline, Tammy (John) Rassier, sister-in-law Judi Kosbau, children Jeremy (partner Cryssi SchildKrause), Kimberly Hanna, Krista Kosbau (partner Dwight Hill), grandchildren Ethan (Maddie) Lehman, Mason Monson, Dawson Monson, Kennedy Monson, Carson Lehman, Joshua Hanna (fiancé Tasha Nelson), Micah Hanna, Makayla Hanna, Nicolas Gravdahl, great grandchildren Alohna, Dean, and TZion, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives including brother Michael Demcheson, cousin James Demcheson, and nephew Jake Andrews.  

Greg is preceded in death by his brother Hal Kosbau, parents Harold and Betty Kosbau. foster parents Irene and Walter Talpash, brother Orrin Andrews, and in-laws Glenna and Dave Lowe.  

A celebration of Greg’s life will he scheduled for a later date in the summer.  To leave a message of condolence, go to: www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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