May 24, 1948 – April 7, 2023
Connie Mary Kozitza, age 74, passed away unexpectedly at the Ridgeview Medical Center on April 7, 2023.
Connie was born on 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 8th grade. Connie went to Worthington High School only to move to Fulda and graduated from Fulda High School after attending it for 3 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, Glencoe, 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 who become her husband on August 1, 1970. Together they had 4 children: Amy, Anna, Matt, and Joe all of whom Connie adored and loved to brag about.
She enjoyed camping, attending grandkids’ events, birthday parties, and family get togethers. Connie 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 and volunteered 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, Washington; siblings: Lois (Dennis) Imholte of Eden Valley, Mn, Cathy (Daryl) Ruesch of Fulda, MN 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, MN, 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 will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Chilson Funeral Home, 200 Fairlawn Ave, Winsted MN 55395. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. followed by Parish Prayers at 7:30 p.m. Further visitation will be held on Wednesday morning, April 12th at the Chilson Funeral Home from 9:30-10:30.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Connie Kozitza will be held on Wednesday, April 12th at 11 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 110 Winsted Avenue W, Winsted, MN 55395.
Burial will be Thursday April 13th at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Belgrade Township, 411th Trail Drive, Mankato MN 56003.
Urn Bearers will be her four children
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic School and Church.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, MN is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com
Our deepest condolences to Connie’s family..Steve, the kids and the grandkids. She was such a good person, friendly, hard worker and family person and friend to many. Rest in peace Connie.
Dear Connie ,we were such good friends during our working days at Holy Trinity School as time passed we were still friends but lost touch. I am sorry I was not there for you during your last days.My sympathy goes to the family.
so sorry for you all , your wife, mother was a very special person. she surly has left alot of good impressions on many, many young people ,including our daughters. God Bless you all.
My deepest sympathy to everyone!
She was a loving person!
Connie was a lovely and caring woman, who made everyone feel welcomed – she will be missed. My condolences.
Will always be known as Mrs. K…was an amazing woman. Blessed to have known her. She gave me many hugs in my school years at HT, can feel her love yet. Blessings to you all.
I am saddened to hear of Connie’s recent passing.
I remember how she loved to draw pictures for her 3rd grade students at Holy Trinity.
And how much she loved her family.
I’m sorry to hear the passing of Mrs k. She was the best teacher ever. She drew a snoopy on my cast in 2nd grade when I broke my arm. I will always hold her close to my heart!! ❤️