Donald Kozitka

Donald J. Kozitka, 78, of Staples, died Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Lakewood Health System Care Center. Services for Don will be 11:00 AM, Monday, July 13, 2009 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Staples with Reverend Muriel Hachfeld officiating. Friends are welcome to visit Sunday evening from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples. Interment will follow services on Monday at Evergreen Hill Cemetery.
Donald Jay was born July 12, 1931 in Staples, MN, the son of Conrad and Viola (Lehmann) Kozitka. After his schooling he entered the U.S. Army serving his country in Quam and Korea where he earned the Bronze Star during the Korean War. Returning to Minnesota Don worked for a variety of companies including the Ford Plant and a paper plant in St. Paul. He then worked as a brakeman and conductor for Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirements. He was very handy and enjoyed working with wood. He had a woodshop where he fixed and repaired furniture. He especially loved to be with his children and grandchildren camping and fishing.

Don will be missed by many. He is survived by his children, Dawn Reierson, of St. Cloud, Donald R. ButchKozitka, of Staples, Ann (Denny) Rach, of Aitkin, Susan Paul, of St. Cloud, Carol (Gary) Larson, of Browerville, Patty Kozitka, of Aitkin, Belinda Kozitka, of Staples, and Duane (Natalie) Kozitka, of Zimmerman; his siblings, Grace Stewart, Jerry McArdle, and David McArdle; 12 grandchildren, Paul, Chad, Adam, Steven, Matthew, Daniel, Justin, David, Anson, Benson, Heidi, and Amber; 8 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Emma, Hunter, Alexander, Damion, Isabella, SkyeLynn, and Maran; and his foster family, Clarence and Christine Thornquist, and their sons, Delose and Donald. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Eva Medeck, Raymond Kozitka, Harold Kozitka, and Shirley Kozitka Oltman.