Herbert Darrell Koss II

Herbert D. Koss II, son of Esther and Herbert D. Koss, was born on September 23, 1943 in Urbana, Illinois.  Herb’s year-long battle with Polio at the tender age of seven gifted him with both grit and compassion.  In 1955, shortly thereafter, his family moved to Portland, where he graduated from Madison High School and received his BS degree in marketing from Portland State University in 1967.  True to form and not harboring difficulties from the past, Herb put himself through college by working full time at Brady Trophy Company.  After graduation he was employed by U.S. National Bank.  During his 7 year tenure with the bank he was at the Menlo Park Branch, Interstate and Going Branch, and Manager of the Oak Grove Branch where he emerged the youngest Branch Manager in the bank’s history.  Specializing in real estate loans for developers, builders and professionals, it was this business sense and entrepreneurial spirit that drove him to venture out on his own.

In 1974 Herb started his own construction and development company.  He lived and worked in West Linn, Oregon for 30 years where, as residential builder he built well over 400 homes, numerous condominium and townhouse projects, apartments and small commercial complexes throughout the Portland Metropolitan area.  As a developer, he developed 1000s of residential lots, also in the Metropolitan area.  He was a major influence in the development of West Linn, from residential to commercial projects.  His developments hosted 2 Street of Dreams; the top two most attended Street of Dreams to date.  Simply said, Herb was a doer, a builder not just of homes but of lives.  His primary focus was to build a better future for himself, his family and his community.

Herb was an excellent provider always with the thought of “family first.”  He was a sports enthusiast who loved to ski, golf, build model trains, travel and spend time at his home in Rancho LaQuinta.  His keen sense of humor, quick wit and giving heart will be forever missed.  Herb is survived by his beloved wife Joan, his three sons Mark Koss, Joe Donnerberg and Brent Donnerberg along with their wives and six grandchildren, Logan, Elise, Wiley, Gus, Tyson and Josh; sister Ruth Selvius (Norm), niece Amy and nephew Michael Selvius.

A silent philanthropist, Herb donated to charities close to his heart, but did not speak of his own generosity. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 5520 NE Killingsworth, Portland, Oregon 97218 or Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, 4040 Sunset Drive, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 97035-4318 were his favorite to donate.  A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Herbert Darrell Koss II, please visit our floral store.