Michael Kozemczak, age 96, oldest son of Antony and Paulina (Yalichko) Kozemczak, was born Feb. 20, 1913, at Joliet, Ill. He passed away on March 6, 2009, in Houston House, Houston, Mo.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma May on Feb. 20, 1993; one sister, Rose Kozemczak; two brothers, Joseph Kozemczak and John Kozemczak; and a grandson, Donald Jeffery Baker.
He is survived by his three sons, Mike Kozemczak and wife Johna of Houston, Mo., James Kozemczak and wife Carol of St. Louis, Mo., and Kevin Kozemczak and wife Janet of St. Louis, Mo.; two daughters, Rosalie and husband Donald Baker of Bucyrus, Mo., and Joan and husband Ronald McCann of Imperial, Mo.; two brothers, Walter Kozemczak and Raymond Kozemczak, both of South County, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends made throughout the years.
Michael married Wilma May Murray in 1936 and to this union five children were born. He worked in the CCC camps before he and Wilma moved to California. He found work on a submarine and was employed there during World War II. He and Wilma moved back to Missouri and settled in St. Louis, Mo. He retired from the State Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., as a maintenance man in 1978.
Michael enjoyed people. He loved to meet and visit with everyone, never meeting a stranger. He was very involved with his church and loved the Lord. He was a faithful member until his health prevented him from attending.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loving to take walks, enjoying the scenery and animals he encountered along the way. He looked forward to each fishing and hunting season, knowing he would be out in nature, hoping to bring home a good “catch” or have a successful hunt.
Michael was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Mark’s or Texas County Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
Services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church with Father Matt Rehrauer officiating. Burial was in Liberty Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.