|
Connie Mary Kozitza, 74, of Winsted, MN, passed away unexpectedly at the Ridgeview Medical Center Friday, April 7, 2023.
Connie was born May 24, 1948, the eldest daughter of Mildred and Urban Arens in Adrian, MN.
She grew up on a farm near Worthington, MN, and went to St. Mary Catholic School through eighth grade. Connie went to Worthington High School only to move to Fulda, MN, and graduated from Fulda High School after attending it for three months in 1966.
Connie furthered her education at Worthington Community College and Mankato State, earning a degree in elementary education.
She worked as a Catholic elementary school teacher for 31-plus years in Currie, MN, Glencoe, MN, and Winsted at Holy Trinity. Over the course of her career, she touched the lives of generations of students.
Her specialty was teaching second grade, where she impacted the hearts of those making their first sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist. She was the co-founder of the program ‘Big Brother, Big Sister’ at Holy Trinity.
One Saturday night, with a friend, she went to the Gibbon Ballroom and asked Steve Kozitza to dance. He became her husband Aug. 1, 1970. Together, they had four children: Amy, Anna, Matt, and Joe, all of whom Connie adored and loved to brag about.
Connie enjoyed camping, attending grandkids’ events, birthday parties, and family get-togethers. She was very creative, had a kind heart, and would help anyone in need. She loved quilting, sewing, baking, and making cinnamon rolls.
Connie was a passionate supporter of women, volunteering for many years as the spiritual director of Holy Trinity’s Council of Catholic Women. She was also a member of the St. Anne Society that helped with the winter festival doing craft items.
Connie is survived by her husband, Steve; children, Amy (Raz) Shah, Plainfield, IL, Anna (Neal) Kurth, Chaska, MN, Matt Kozitza, Silver Lake, MN, and Joe (Lindsay) Kozitza, Allyn, WA; siblings, Lois (Dennis) Imholte of Eden Valley, MN, Cathy (Daryl) Ruesch of Fulda, and Mike (Julaine) Arens of Fulda; in-laws, Lucretia (Ted) Wyrowski, Crystal, MN, Tim Kozitza, Mankato, MN, Sharon (Gary) Patterson, North Mankato, MN, Karon (Tim) Pohlman, Madison Lake, MN, Mark (Amy) Kozitza, Mankato, and Leanne Kozitza, Pillager, MN; 17 grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Urban and Mildred Arens; brothers-in-law Jeff Kozitza and Mark Sheldon; as well as nephew, Michael Imholte.
A visitation took place Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Chilson Funeral Home, 200 Fairlawn Ave, Winsted. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m., followed by parish prayers at 7:30 p.m. Further visitation took place Wednesday morning, April 12 at the Chilson Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
A memorial Mass of Christian burial for Connie Kozitza took place Wednesday, April 12 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 110 Winsted Avenue W, Winsted.
Burial took place Thursday, April 13 at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Belgrade Township, 411th Trail Drive, Mankato, MN.
Urn Bearers were her four children.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic School and Church.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.
|
|
