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JOHN KOZERA
Born: Sep 13, 1926
Date of Passing: Jan 13, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN KOZERA September 13, 1926 January 13, 2018 Following a valiant struggle with prostate cancer, John peacefully succumbed to his cancer ravaged body at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2018. John passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and two nurses. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Lorraine; his sister Josephine Arnason and partner Ken Sylvester; his sister-in-law Jean Kozera; and his brother-in-law Martin Ulrich and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. John was predeceased by his young daughter Laverne; his brother Walter; his parents, Michael and Emilia Kozera; and stepmother Rose Kozera, and by his many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. John has been very active all of his life. Even as a young child, he was made responsible for caring for his younger brother and sister. As a young lad, John had to assist his parents with the farm work. He went to work as a cook's helper in Devil's Gap Lodge, an employee at the local general store in Fraserwood, MB, followed by becoming the manager of this store, as well as being assigned as the local Postmaster. After his marriage to Lorraine in 1960, John began working at Jewellery Distributors in Winnipeg, where he started as a packer in the warehouse and quickly became the Office Manager. When the owner of Jewellery Distributers retired, John was hired on at Fort Garry Industries and worked in the office of the Rubber Division until John had retired. John was rehired. John was called to assist the staff for several more months until John retired at age 71. In his retired life, he loved to assist his mother-in-law Frieda Ulrich, on the farm. John became very active in the Oak Bank community volunteering in numerous sports activities, including: the Go-Getters Five Pin bowling, bocchi ball, carpet bowling, the senior's weekly exercise program, watering plants as part of the Oak Bank Beautification Committee, President for a number of years to the present for the Silver Threads Senior's Club, and was very active in the modern square dance organizations for 40 years. He loved tending to his flowers and general yard work. John was always interested in history and in 2006, was instrumental in gathering information about his Kozera family, beginning with his paternal grandparents. A history book with photos was created followed by a two-day celebration with surviving members of the Kozera family. In his younger years, he loved to play baseball on the Fraserwood team as pitcher and playing the violin for entertainment at parties and small gatherings. John continued to enjoy watching sports activities on television, especially, football, hockey, golf and curling. Being involved in so many activities, John made numerous friends throughout Canada and the United States. Viewing and prayers will take place Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Pastor Annemarie MacIntosh will officiate at the funeral service, Friday, January 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, 3486 Raleigh, East Saint Paul, MB (just north of the town of Birds Hill off of Highway 202), with viewing to begin at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church after the service. Church telephone number is 204-255-5433. An expression of sincere thanks to the Palliative Care staff of the IERHA for the support and comforting care given to John and myself. Also, thanks to the CancerCare staff who provided the treatments for John. Sincere thanks to relatives, friends and neighbours for comforting e-mails, telephone calls, home visits, cards, food packages and assistance around our home. You are much loved. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book, please visit www.chapellawn.ca. Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2018
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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John's contributions to the community were many and admirable. He and Lorraine were always kind and welcoming to me and our many cousins when we came to visit them and Auntie Frieda. John was loved and respected by many and he will be missed. - Posted by: Elaine Douglas (niece) on: Jan 28, 2018
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Dear Lorraine, We are so sad for you. Please know that we care much. Separation from those we love is so hard. We appreciated John's quiet nature and genuine care of others. You were both so good at supporting others, whether in times of sadness or times of joy. I remember, in particular, when you made the trek to Miami to help Dad celebrate his birthday. You traveled like that for so many others. Our Creator will hold you, & we send our love. Peace, Lloyd & Jeannie - Posted by: Lloyd & Jeannie Baker (Friends) on: Jan 25, 2018
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So sorry to hear of the loss of John , love and warm thoughts are with you Lorraine - Posted by: Sandra and Dave Wronski (Family) on: Jan 22, 2018
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A message of sincere sympathy to Lorraine & the Kozera family members. Our family was indeed saddened to learn of the recent passing of someone so very special as your beloved John and we ask you all to please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences. We offer you peace to try help bring you some comfort, strength and courage to bear this sorrow as you face the days ahead. We pray that in time, precious memories of John will indeed bring you this comfort and peace to your hearts as we, the Friederici family members also so sadly share in your sorrow. May God's peace be with you all and may the soul of this wonderful gracious man now rest peacefully in His Care. - Posted by: The Friederici Family () on: Jan 19, 2018
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Hugs for Lorraine, We join hands with you and circle left in sorrow and celebration. Your decades of dedicated leadership in square and round dancing, leaves a local and national legacy of recreational friendship. Joining you on the dance floor of grieving, please accept a “yellow rock” from your favourite corner and his favourite partner. May faith and courage lead you through this valley of darkness to a place of serenity and peace. In love and friendship, Norm & Betty Brown - Posted by: Norm & Betty Brown (Dance Friends) on: Jan 19, 2018
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Deepest Sympathy Lorraine on this difficult time Charles Pawulski and family - Posted by: Charles Pawulski (Family) on: Jan 18, 2018
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The loss of someone dear is never easy. Remembering all our family gatherings, welcoming hugs , laughs , conversations , will never be forgotten, especially working with you and Lorraine on the Kozera family reunion a weekend I'll cherish forever and so will the family . Johnny was a cousin and a gentleman with a smile and hug for everyone. Sorry Lorraine we are unable to attend , sending you our love and prayers during this very difficult time. Hugs Ed & Carol - Posted by: Edward Kozera & Carol Kulyk (Cousin) on: Jan 17, 2018
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So sorry to hear of his passing. I knew Johnny, he worked at the J & J store for my parents, he was a kind, gentle person and would always say hello. Take care Lorraine, he is at peace, no more suffering. See on Friday. - Posted by: Angela & Melvin Zalevich (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2018
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Our deepest sympathies Lorraine. - Posted by: Gabby & Shelley (Bell) Desrosiers () on: Jan 17, 2018
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To Uncle Johnny, may you rest in peace, your dancing shoes will not sit idle in heaven, and to Lorraine our deepest sympathies, Love Debbie, Christina and Danielle Fleury (Kozera) - Posted by: Debbie (Kozera) Fleury (Relative) on: Jan 17, 2018
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Our sincere condolences to Lorraine and family on John's passing. We remember many good times over many decades in dancing and the friendship of the dance world, so well represented by John and Lorraine. Rest in peace old friend God bless you and yours Lorraine Hal &Marilyn - Posted by: Hal & Marilyn Studholme (Fellow Square & Round dancers) on: Jan 17, 2018
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I will miss John's smile coming into the RM office, with his black leather jacket always looking so good!! I first met you both when I worked at the Coop store, always so nice. The thing is John is definitely one of the kindest guys I have ever met, always so involved and getting others active. Lorraine you and John were such a beautiful couple together, truly watching you both was a blessing to me. Praying for you Lorraine during this difficult time. - Posted by: Carolyn Grewe (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2018
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Our deepest sympathy to you, Lorraine. We are very sorry to hear this. - Posted by: Paul & Lauren (Bell) Godin () on: Jan 17, 2018
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Our sincere condolences to Lorraine & family... - Posted by: Larry & Carole Trush (Square Dancers) on: Jan 17, 2018