Jeffrey S. Kozitza

PILLAGER — Jeffrey Scott Kozitza, age 49, passed away peacefully at his home in Pillager on Jan. 17, 2012, with his family by his side. Jeff was born on Oct. 1, 1962, in Mankato, Minn., to Clifford ”Punch” and Lucille ”Lucy” Kozitza. He went to school in Nicollet, Minn., and furthered his education at Mankato Vo-Tech. Jeff worked as both a mechanic and as a general contractor in construction. He most recently worked at Mills GM in Baxter. He was fortunate to have a good company to work for and truly valued his friendships there. Jeff formed so many friendships through the years starting with Larry and Dave in childhood up through the great friendships he has today. They were all very special to him and he liked to call them all his “buddies.”

He married Leanne Johnson on Sept. 6, 1986. Together they had four children, Amanda, Kasey, Danny and Dylan who Jeff adored and loved to brag about. Jeff enjoyed spending time with his family hunting, camping, boating, ice fishing, attending kids’ events and family get-togethers. He was very talented in doing finish work on homes and would help anyone with anything in a heartbeat. It was so important to Jeff to help others that it was a great asset for him to be so talented in numerous areas.

Jeff was a long time active member of Lord of Life Church in Baxter, Minn., for 18 years. He served as a confirmation mentor for close to 100 kids over the years. Jeff was also a core member of the Friday morning men’s breakfast group. He played leading roles in several theatrical productions. Jeff shared a powerful witness to faith as he battled our last enemy, death.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Clifford “Punch” Kozitza.

He is survived by his wife, Leanne; children, Amanda, Kasey, Danny and Dylan; mother, Lucille Kozitza; and siblings, Stephen (Connie) Kozitza, Winsted, Minn., Lucretia (Ted) Wyrowski, Crystal, Minn., Tim Kozitza, Mankato, Minn., Sharon (Gary) Patterson, North Mankato, Minn., Karon (Mark) Sheldon, North Mankato, Minn., Mark (Amy) Kozitza, Mankato, Minn.; in-laws, Bob and Leone Johnson, Baxter, Minn., Terry (Kathi) Johnson, South Carolina, Laurie (Jon) Fevig, Garfield, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter with the Rev. Darrell Pedersen officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Lord of Life Lutheran Church and will continue at the church the hour before services on Saturday.

Arrangements by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home and Crematory in Brainerd.

www.nelson-doran.com