Jeffrey Paul Kobasic
ESCANABA – Jeffrey Paul “Bosko” Kobasic, age 68, passed away in the early hours of April 15, 2026 at Christian Park Village with his wife, Tina “Teens” (Estacio) Kobasic, at his side. He was born June 18, 1957, in Escanaba, the youngest child of Mary Grace (Ammel) Kobasic and Ivan Anthony Kobasic. Jeff attended St. Joseph School and then Holy Name. He graduated from Escanaba Area High School in 1975. His school friendships lasted his lifetime and included Gary Bougie (deceased), Gary Lark, Tom Lark, Tom Timler, Tom Seriano, Matt Smith, Rick DeSalvo, Pat Dewar and the entire Dewar family. Years of laughter, days at camp, and evenings full of adventures strengthened their bond.
After high school, Jeff worked at the family business, Kobasic Home Furnishings, eventually becoming the manager until it closed in 2001. Subsequently, Jeff worked at Halbinsel Motors, Menards, and Phil & Lees. Retail work allowed Jeff to thrive, fulfilling his love of interacting with people and sharing his great stories. Jeff’s true passion, however, was singing. He shared his beautiful tenor voice for decades singing with The Remnants Barbershop Chorus and the Next Generations Quartet. Always on the lookout for an opportunity to sing, Jeff cherished the moments he was able to sing with his mother, Mim. His creativity reached beyond his singing and Jeff spent countless hours creating things and repairing “stuff” in his garage.
Jeff is survived by the love of his life, Tina; his children, Kurtis John (Cassie Lavigne), Krysta (Cory) Paul, and Kaylee Mary Kobasic; stepson, Anthony Kalb; and in-laws, Shirley and Wayne Jacques. One of Jeff’s greatest pleasures in life was spending time with his grandchildren, Ryder Willette, Bailey and Korson Paul, and Rogue, Riot, and Rebel Anderson. He leaves behind siblings, John (Monica) Kobasic (CA), Richard Anthony Kobasic, and twin sisters, Mary Ellen “Ellie” O’Donnell and Marilyn Sue Burroughs; the mother of his children, Valerie Kobasic; and sister-in-law, Mary Kobasic. Uncle Jet also leaves behind many nieces and nephews to whom he was like a big brother. He was predeceased by his parents, Mim and Ivan; brother, Tim Kobasic; brother-in-law, Dick Burroughs; and sister-in-law, Connie Kobasic.
Jeff would want to be remembered as a kind, loving, hardworking, people person. He provided all of us with many moments of laughter and happiness, leaving us with cherished memories. His love, laugh, stories, and jokes will live on in all who knew him. According to Jeff’s wishes, a celebration of his life will take place in Ludington Park on June 18, 2026.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net The arrangements are in the care of the Crawford Funeral Homes.
