Dennis Steven Kos
January 8, 1944 – April 19, 2023
Dennis S. Kos was born on January 8, 1944 in Gary, Indiana to Steve and Rose Kos. He grew up in Indiana and has one older sister, Beverly Platusic, who lives in Nashville, Indiana. He met his wife Virginia Kos in high school, and they married on June 26, 1965. They have been married for 57 years, raised their children in Colorado, then retired and moved to Florida nearly 20 years ago. He has two children – a daughter, Denise Kos, and a son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Shannon Kos. He has two grandchildren, Noah and Libby Kos.
Dr. Kos, known by his students as “Doc,” was a teacher for 36 years. He earned a Bachelor in Education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. They moved to California where he taught for four years and earned a Master in Industrial Arts from San Jose State College. He earned a Doctorate in Education in 1983 from University of Northern Colorado.
Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend. He cared deeply for his family and poured himself out for all. He generously gave of himself—his time, talents, and treasure to family and friends. He had a heart of compassion for anyone suffering or in need. He enjoyed island beaches, classic cars, wildlife, and using his woodworking skills. He was committed to his Catholic faith, and he lived it out.
As a husband, Dennis’ wife Virginia said he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and also a romantic. They were best friends who did everything together. They were snorkeling buddies as they went on many island adventures together enjoying the beach and sea life. He was a romantic, especially on Valentine’s Day, and once sent a quartet to his wife’s work to serenade her on his behalf. He worked hard at work and at home to provide for and care for his family.
He was always there for his kids – attending every game, waiting at the finish line, cheering them on in any endeavor. His family was a priority, whether he was working three jobs at once to provide for them or choosing to live in Colorado because it was the best environment to raise kids. After a long hard day at school, he would take time to play with his kids taking them to the park or on a nature walk. He taught them to pray, listening to their prayers each night and teaching them the Lord’s Prayer. Both of his kids followed in his footsteps to become teachers.
He was especially devoted to and proud of his grandchildren. His grandson Noah said of him, “One of the greatest things about Grandpa was his ability to make me and Libby feel so important. He would always introduce us as his favorite grandson or granddaughter to anyone we came across. He always wanted the best for us, and I know he said an endless amount of prayers for our success and well-being.” His granddaughter Libby said, “Grandpa loved his family more than anything else in the world. He showed his love in the meticulous hand-crafted gifts he made, in the pictures he collected and proudly displayed around his home, in the time he dedicated to family trips, birthdays, holidays, and graduations, in the countless smiles and jokes he told, and in the way he bragged to friends, neighbors, and strangers about his ‘best grandkids in the world.’”
He was a dedicated teacher and touched the hearts and lives of his students for the 36 years he taught. He taught primarily woodshop, drafting, and mathematics. He wanted to be the best teacher he could and was constantly learning for that purpose. One of his fellow teachers said about him that he was the most respected teacher at East High School. One of his students wrote about him, “Doc is without a doubt the greatest teacher I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He cares for his students like they are his children.” He was awarded the Angel Award at East High School and the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award for Denver Public Schools in 2002, just before he retired.
For friends and neighbors, he always took time to talk and ask how they were, share a joke, or give a treat to their dog. Anytime anyone was in need, he wanted to do something for them. He made framed Footprints poems to give to anyone who was hurting. He made beautiful wooden pens and seam rippers on the lathe for people and their family and friends. On a regular basis, he contributed to the Food Bank at church. He always had a hello, a smile, and a story for anyone he encountered.
Dennis will be deeply missed by family and friends, and we look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to Catholic Charities or Habitat for Humanity.
To honor the life of Dennis Kos, the following are the arrangements. Visitation is on Thursday, April 27 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish, 226 East Burleigh Boulevard, Tavares, Florida. A funeral mass will take place on Friday, April 28 at 9:00 am at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Highway 441, Mount Dora, Florida followed immediately by a reception at the church for those attending the mass. A private burial will be held for the family.
