Obituary of Burton Hanson Koske

On Thursday, October 7, 2021, Burton Hanson Koske, loving father of two children, passed away at the age of 76.

Burt was born on September 21, 1945 in Two Rivers, WI to Keith and Betty Koske. After serving in the U.S. Navy until 1969, he earned a BS in Nuclear Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute and both an MBA and MS from the University of New Mexico, which engaged him in his career to support the development of nuclear power. Later he worked as a contractor for the Department of Energy, researching environmentally friendly energy sources and volunteering with the American Nuclear Society to educate about the facts of nuclear energy.

Burt loved working with his hands, especially in wood. He started with a cradle, then built a massive entertainment center and gifted handmade solid wood bookcases to both his children. His biggest project was a queen-size waterbed with cedar drawers. 

Burt had a passion for pure genealogy; he traced his ancestry 800+ years and was particularly fascinated by the family's Norwegian history.  He was an active member and past President of the Washington Lodge of Sons of Norway. 

Near the end of his life, Burt developed Alzheimer's and lived at the Kensington Reston Memory Care Community. The staff there were caring and friendly, so Burt spent much of these last months dancing to the music with a smile on his face.

His culture was Broadway musicals, sci-fi/fantasy books, folk music, more books, Celtic Woman, and Disney animated classics.

He was loved for his intelligent wit, his casual exchange of a smile for a smile, and when the need arose... simple but wise advice.

Burt was preceded in death by his father Keith, his mother Betty, and his sister Karn.  He is survived by his two children Molly and Keith, grandsons Aidan and Cameron and brothers Mike and Chuck.

A brother, a navy man, an engineer, a gentle Grandpa.
 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 15th, 2021, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon, VA. US Navy Honors to occur at 3:45 PM inside the chapel. In remembrance of Burton Koske, those who wish may make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/).