Walter "Wally" James Kosinski

A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick Church of Merna in Bloomington, IL, on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the mass. Cremation rites have been accorded by East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL.

Walter was born on March 24, 1937, in Chicago, IL, son of James and Marie Trojak Kosinski. He married Marilyn June Sagodic on November 8, 1958.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Marilyn, of Bloomington, IL; two daughters, Kathy (Mark) Forzley of Westmont, IL and Linda McDonald of St. Charles, MO; two sons, Mark (Laura) Kosinski of Bloomington, IL and Scott (Michelle) Kosinski of Danville, CA and nine grandchildren: Matthew (Christina) Forzley, Michele Forzley and Michael Forzley, Connor (Allie) McDonald and Lucas McDonald, Zachary Kosinski, Andrew (Jessica) Kosinski, Nicholas Kosinski and Benjamin Kosinski. Also surviving are one great-granddaughter, Hannah Forzley; two sisters, Patricia Lantvit of Berwyn, IL and Joan Vieceli of Orland Park, IL, one brother, James Jr (Brenda) Kosinski of West Chicago, IL, and one sister in law, Dorothy Sagodic of Allegan, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Wally graduated from Harrison Technical High School in Chicago in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, serving from 1957 to 1963. He spent most of his career in the steel fastener industry, the first part of which as a purchasing agent in positions that would require travel to countries like South Korea and Japan. During the latter part of his career, he moved to the other side of the desk as a wire salesman with MGF Industries in Rockford, IL. The knowledge he gained over his career proved invaluable and he was a top salesman with MGF until the time he retired in 2001.

Wally and Marilyn enjoyed many years with their children and grandchildren at their summer home in Pullman, MI. Wally was a family man; his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchild were everything to him. He cherished his time with his family and looked forward to any opportunity for a family "get together." Wally and Marilyn lived most of their lives in the Chicago area but moved to Bloomington in 2001. Since that time, they have made many great friends with their neighbors in the Northpointe subdivision, people from Epiphany Catholic Church and St. Patrick Church of Merna, as well as Trinity Lutheran Church and School, where two of their grandchildren attended.

Wally loved spending time on his beautiful back patio - his “happy place.” His neighbors, seeing him sitting outside, would immediately congregate at the patio for hours of happy conversations.

To share condolences with the family or view his online tribute, please visit Eastlawnmemorial.com