Kevin Daniel Gossman
Wednesday, February 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday August 26, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Friday August 26, 2016
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Military Honors
Provided by American Legion Post 92
Wednesday, February 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Wednesday, February 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Kevin Daniel Gossman
Kevin Daniel Gossman, 77, found peace and eternal rest with our Heavenly Father on August 21, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his family. He succumbed to COPD.
Kevin was born to Joseph Leo and Ellen Rose (Henry) Gossman on February 15, 1939 in Decorah, Iowa. He was the second son and resided on the family farm south of Harmony, Minnesota on the state line road. He attended country schools through the eighth grade, then Harmony High School, graduating in 1958. He played football and ran track. He was a member of FFA.
That same year in 1958 he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington Naval Air Station with a fleet air support unit. He was honorably discharged December 12, 1962. Following his discharge he worked for K & M Electronics out of St. Louis Park, Minnesota maintaining television translators, after which time he moved to Rochester to work for the local cable TV and made it a 40-year career in various engineering capacities, retiring in 2002.
On July 25, 1964 he married Faline Marie Thompson at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. The couple made their home in Rochester all of their married life of 52 years. They raised three children.
Kevin loved fly fishing, working in his huge vegetable garden, maintaining a flawless lawn and particularly found pleasure in watching his granddaughters play soccer and basketball and other events until a couple years ago when his health deteriorated. He also enjoyed games of Aggravation and Shang Hai with his brother and sister-in-laws. He was an animal lover and his favorites were Whisper, and Oreo and Cookie; the cat that he rescued from a blizzard many years ago became a loyal friend and is missing him immensely.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Faline; children Dan and Molly (Koshire) and their children, Isabella and Amelia of Rochester, and Jill and Paul Kos of Apple Valley and their children Hayley, Carly, Eliza, and Greta; and son, Derek, of Rochester and daughter Cora.
In addition, he is survived by seven sister-in-laws and four brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Lane and Garen (their wives Kathy and Marilyn survive).
A Memorial Mass for Kevin will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Church of Resurrection in Rochester with a one hour prior visitation. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Donations in memory of Kevin may be made to Church of Resurrection, Paws N Claws, or a charity of donor’s choice.
Condolences
The family of Kevin Daniel Gossman has received the following condolences.
We are sad to hear about Kevin's passing. He was such a wonderful joyful man. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. God's blessings to you all.
Derek-
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am sorry that I could not be at the funeral. I am sure that he is at peace and will continue to look down on your family and be part of your lives always.
Kindest Regards,
Mark
Dear Faline, Jill, Dan, Derek, and families,
I am so very sorry to read of Kevin's passing. Although it has been many years since I have seen him, it seems like not that long ago he was walking in through your front door after the day at work. I remember him greeting Whisper, one of the MANY cats finding refuge at "the Gossman home for the hungry and the lost:) " Funny how they befriended him when we all knew it was MaMa Faline who was the "softy." We used to joke about the imaginary sign in the back yard and by the railroad tracks that spoke to all stray "passers by," telling of a free meal and a safe place to land where no one would be turned away. I think I remember 4 cats at one point and Faline saying, " I just can't take anymore of you in, or Kevin........" Ha-Ha! Even he had his favorites--but SOMEONE had be be strong:) Well, as it turns out, it hasn't just been cats and critters finding refuge at the Gossman home. I too, was like one of those lost cats, lucky enough to find an open door and a warm home in which to stay, when I needed a place. I also know I was not the only one throughout the years. While his hearing failed in the earlier years, he still went about life, smiling and greeting whoever was there, in his home....I am sure it was hard to be and stay connected to others at that time, as life goes by wether we can hear or not, but he was always there, predictably so. His sense of humor was evidence that he was still aware of and hearing more than he let on:) I know Kevin has been dearly loved and will be missed here on Earth. As he went home to the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior, I can only imagine..... One of the things he heard was, "Well done, my son. You have opened your heart and your home to some of the least of these. You have done so with a kind and generous heart and spirit. You have helped to care for those who were lost and whose families were estranged or preoccupied. You showed them my love by opening you home, with no demands or prerequisites. You have supported my daughter Faline, and her tender heart, by allowing her / your home to be a shelter for friends ( with 2 legs and 4 )during the storms of life, while you may have been facing your own, but that is what a man does, my son. You could have turned them away, as King of your castle--- but you did not. Well done!"
Thank you, Gossman's, for allowing me to be a part of your family....for showing me love and hospitality during difficult times. During this time of grieving, I hope you take comfort in knowing Kevin is enjoying all of the fruits of his labor and the rewards which are eternal. He is in his glorified, perfected, athletic, body that never tires and is never weak! No more sickness---- and Faline, he could still take your breath away , even now like when you first met, as he is in the heavens looking young and handsome and strong:) I am sure he is wishing he could take you out dancing, like when you were both younger,(and you could still flip that leg out behind you) only NOW, he could lead you around the floor with all of the confidence and strength of a man who knows his identity and strength behind his manhood is his Heavenly Father. So, your separation is temporary, but love is eternal. May God grant you peace and bring you comfort during the days to come. God Bless you all!
Grace and peace to you,
Tracey
Dear Gossman Family,
I remember your dad (husband) as a quiet and gentle person. My thoughts and peace are with you now and during your time of grieving.
Sincerely,
Jill Nepper (the other Jill)
Dan, Molly and family, my deepest sympathy on your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
To the Gossman Family,
I am saddened to read of Kevin's passing. He was a great man, father and I am proud to have known him. I will cherish the fond memories of him and how much he added to our family. Many a summer night was made special as we coached the boys together. His energetic spirit, laughter and love of his family and life will live on in all of us forever. God bless.
Mark Glaeser