Clark H. Kossina's Obituary
Clark H. Kossina, 83 years of Columbia, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Memorial Hospital East, Shiloh, IL. He was born September 6, 1942, in East St. Louis, IL.
Clark worked 22 years as a machinist for the Missouri Pacific railroad, and he served as treasure for the union for several years, he retired after 16 years as a Brewer for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. He was member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia, IL., Columbia Blue Lodge #474 A.F & A.M., of over 50 years, and a past Master, Scottish Rite Bodies over 50 years and the Ainad Shrine for over 50 years. Clark coached Khoury League for both his boys for many years and was not only active in sports with his sons, but also with sports and activities with his grandchildren. Clark enjoyed NASCAR and was a fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and he enjoyed vacations and trips to Branson with JoAnn.
Surviving are his wife of 62 and a half years, JoAnn Kossina, nee Landgraf, his sons, Michael (Wenda) Kossina and David (Susie) Kossina, his grandchildren, Mikaela, Malia and Joshua Kossina, Tony, Cal, Joey and Kaytie Kossina, his great granddaughter Everlee Kossina, along with nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Bertha "Bertie", nee Diehl, Kossina and his sister and brother-in-law, Marlyn (J. Donald) Henson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home in Columbia, IL, with a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:00 am - 10:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia, IL., with pastor Jonathan Bangera officiating. Interment will follow in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia, Illinois.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 127 N. St. Paul St., Columbia, Illinois 62236 or Ainad Shrine, 609 St. Louis Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62201.
For more information, please access our website, https://www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Clark?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clark?
Share a story where Clark's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clark you’ll never forget.
How did Clark make you smile?
