Robert James Kozak

DeForest – Robert James Kozak, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born in Gary, Indiana on April 12, 1941, the son of Peter and Marie (Tiedt) Kozak. He spent most of his childhood in Stevens Point, moving to Madison in 1956. He graduated from Central High School in 1960 and worked as a journeyman in the sheet metal trade for 42 years, retiring in 2003. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and is a Vietnam War veteran. He was a member of VFW Post 8483. He was united in marriage to Marilyn K. Ripp on September 10, 1966 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, Madison. He loved Classic Cars and driving his Corvette. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, dining out at local restaurants and traveling. He was a great fan of the Brewers, Badgers and Packers. He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; children, Renee (Christopher) Ramirez, Steven (Tracie) Kozak, Julie (Stacy Dodge) Kozak and his two grandchildren Tatem and Tommy Kozak. He is further survived by his sister, Darlene (Sonny Joyner) Lewis; sisters-in-law, Diane Tupper and Carol Ripp; an uncle, several aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William (Sharon) Kozak, and in-laws, Martin and Katherine Ripp. A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on, Tuesday, October 28 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie with Msgr. Terry Connor officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Cemetery, Sun Prairie. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. The family would like to extend our most sincere thanks to his many care providers at Meriter Hospital, Agrace Hospice and Bob’s niece Melissa Klipstine. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice. We love you and will miss you greatly.