Barbara "Barb" A. Koschak

Barbara Ann Koschak, age 76, of Hibbing, MN, passed away peacefully at home on July 2nd, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Barbara was born June 6th, 1949, in Hibbing, MN, to Raymond and Katherine Gunville. Barbara met her future husband Jim when she was just 14 years old and Jim was 16 years old. From that point onwards, Barb and Jim were inseparable for the next 62 years.

Barbara was employed for many years at Paine Webber and the Hibbing Daily Tribune.

She married the love of her life, Jim Koschak, on August 9th, 1969. In 1976, they moved back to Hibbing, where they have resided ever since, raising their two sons, Jeffrey and Brian. Barb and Jim were very happily married for 56 years.

Barbara absolutely loved spending time with her granddaughters, Madison and Miley. She said her grandchildren were her life. Some of Barb’s favorite hobbies included camping in Gilbert with Jim, Snowball, Snowflake, and Rosie; bowling in the Monday night bowling league, Tuesday night women's volleyball, traveling, family road trips, Mexico, and multiple cruises, especially their month-long spring time visits to Florida with John and Jim; trips to Missouri to visit Brian, Kylie, Zach, Killien, and Arik, cooking, although for quite some time, she was more of a “cooking assistant” to Jim, whom she referred to as “Chef Pierre”; she loved her three dogs, bringing them along wherever they went, whether it was camping, or road trips to Florida, Iowa, or Missouri. She loved hosting parties at her home, especially the annual open house Christmas Eve party.

Barb also enjoyed fishing in the BWCA, especially when she was catching more fish than Jim; going to Iowa every February with Pete and Linda O’Brien for the Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party; going dancing with Jim (they were really good!); and having great times with 9 very great friends and relatives known as the “Beauty Lake Babes”. FUUFF! (If you know you know…) Barb will be remembered best by all for her kindness and laughter.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Jim Koschak of Hibbing; sons, Jeffrey Koschak of Hibbing, Brian (Kylie) Koschak of Springfield, MO; brother, John (Jim Cartier) Gunville of Dunedin, FL; grandchildren, Madison and Miley Koschak of Hibbing, and Zach, Killian, and Arik Koschak of Springfield, MO; in-laws, Ron Koschak, Jerry (Judy) Koschak, Rick (Kathy) Koschak all of Hibbing, and Bonnie Koschak of Chisholm; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and the Beauty Lake Babes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Kay Wilson; and her beloved dogs, Bethy, Snowball, Snowflake, and Rosie.

Barb's family would like to thank Ann, Taylor, and the whole team at Fairview Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11 AM at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will take place one hour before the service with Rev. Bill Skarich officiating.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.