Michael Leonard Koskela, 50

Michael Leonard Koskela, 50, passed away in a car accident Jan. 27, 2013.

Mike was born in Libby. He was an honor student and graduated in the top ten of his class.

He had loved airplanes all his life. Mike became a licensed pilot at age 17 and was involved in sports, jazz band and 4-H.

 Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for 23 years, retiring as a master sergeant. He worked as metals technician and was selected to aid in the manufacturing of the Skunkworks F-117A Stealth Fighter.

He married Margaret Colonel.

Mike loved the outdoors, home brewing and was a barbecue pit master. He was an avid jokester and prankster and will be greatly missed.

Mike is survived by his son, Kyle, and Katie Koskela; parents, Leonard and Shirley Koskela, of Columbia Falls; sisters, Lynn Koskela of Olympia, Wash., and Betty and Jay Reiss of Spokane; brother, Jeff, and Lisa Koskela, of Libby; nieces, Heather and Jason Armour of Graham, Wash., and Jessica and Scott Patterson of Spokane; nephews, Spencer and Jeremy Koskela, of Libby; two great-nieces and three great-nephews.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mike’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Mike’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.