Richard “Dick” L. Kozak, age 80, of Osage, IA, died on January 16, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
Richard Lee Kozak was born on July 7, 1943, son of John and Betty (Gunsallus) Kozak in Riceville, Iowa. Richard was baptized at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven, Iowa. He was a 1961 graduate from New Haven Catholic High School. After graduation Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and served from 1961 to 1965 when he was honorably discharged. Richard began working in North Iowa at various jobs in the Mason City and surrounding area. He liked to participate in rodeos and enjoyed working with quarter horses. On October 14, 1967, Richard married Sandra Marie Hockens at St. Mel’s Catholic Church in McIntire, IA and to this union, 2 children, Anthony and Eric, were born.
The couple lived for a time in McIntire, then moved to an acreage west of Riceville. Richard worked as a certified Feed Mill Operator in McIntire and Riceville. On February 3, 1993, Sandy died at the young age of 46. After Sandy’s death, Richard met Lynne Haglin, the couple dated, before marrying on September 18, 1997. Richard enjoyed watching sporting events, especially his sons and grandchildren’s sporting events, and taking the grandkids fishing. He had great pride in the Riceville Wildcats sports programs; which led him to become a member of the Wildcat Boosters at the school. Richard enjoyed working and socializing, so becoming a janitor at the school was close to the best of life. His work included many Saturdays tending the feed mill, and cleaning the school.
Richard also liked to plant a garden, especially tomatoes and relished scratching the Iowa Lottery tickets. In the cooler months Richard and Lynne enjoyed league bowling. Richard was a proud member of the American Legion. He volunteered at many Legion fish fry events usually as the bartender, always socializing and especially enjoyed working at the November meal in honor of the Marine Corps birthday.
He is survived by his wife Lynne Kozak of Osage, IA; 2 sons Anthony “Tony” (Shelly) Kozak of Peosta, IA, and Eric (Rhonda) Kozak of Rose Creek, MN; 2 step-daughters Lynette (Rick) Clayton of Spearfish, SD, and DeeAnn Midlang of Northwood, IA; 6 grandchildren Zachary Kozak, Jacob Kozak, Shelby Kozak, Katy (Stephen) Olander, Tatum Midlang, and Sydney Midlang; 2 sisters: Ann (Bob) Aulwes-Allison, Ellen (Wes) Novak; 5 brothers: Ron (Marcia) Kozak, Roger Kozak, Robert (Cheryl) Kozak, Russell (Marianne) Kozak, and Rex (Bonnie) Kozak; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents John and Betty Kozak, his brother Randy, and his sister Lura (Daniel “Boone”) Hockens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent directly to Attn: Jen Dunn 912 Woodland Ave. Riceville, IA 50466 for the Riceville Wildcats Booster Club or Riceville School.
Visitation for Richard will be held from 1-4 P.M. Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Riceville, IA. A private family service will be held with burial at Calvary Cemetery Riceville and military honors rendered.
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