George J. Kozacik, 84, of West Burlington, Iowa, died Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his home.
Born June 14, 1938, in East Chicago, Indiana, he was the son of Eleanor and George Kozacik. He was married to Mary Louise Farr for 27 years and had a son, Keith, and daughter, Laura. He later married Linda J. Hale in Burlington, Iowa on April 19, 1992.
Dr. Kozacik retired from the AEA 16 in 2000 and previously held various roles as a teacher, reading consultant, and professor. He was a member of the ROTC throughout college, served in the Marines in 1956, and was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army from 1962-1964. He graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in English; completed an M.A. in Education from Clark College; and earned an M.A. in Teaching and a Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University.
He was a lifetime Eagle’s Club member. He enjoyed various hobbies, including reading, gardening, fishing, beekeeping, and taxidermy. He was a patron of numerous arts and music organizations and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church choir in Burlington.
Survivors include one son, Keith Kozacik (Penny Cahill) of Iowa City; one daughter, Laura Kozacik Graber (Aaron Couchman) of Lineville; one step-son Kevin McCarty (Paula McCarty) of Des Moines; two step-daughters, Samantha McCarty Hahn (Nate Hahn) of Louisville and Julie Pressner (John Pressner) of Dundee; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and nieces and nephews. George is also survived by his first wife, (Mother of Keith and Laura), Mary L. Kamm, of Salem, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister, June K. Frazier.
There will be no formal visitation. His body has been cremated and a memorial service will be scheduled for a future date.
Memorial funds have been established for Iowa Food Bank and the Des Moines County Humane Society.