Obituary
Michael James Koziara
Michael James Koziara, 64, of Holmen, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at his home.
He was born February 28, 1960 to Stanley and Linda Koziara. He married Joan Lodoen on September 30, 1989 in Barre Mills, Wisconsin.
Michael loved tinkering in his pole shed and hunting with his dog Sam, fishing and socializing, He truly had the gift of gab! He was a lifelong railroad employee with plenty of stories to tell! He was a member of the AFLCIO Teamsters and belonged to the Narvre, and was a member of the board for the La Crosse, Burlington Credit Union. He also organized the Labor Day parade for many years.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife Joan Koziara, his dog Sam, stepdaughters Emily and Kelly, brothers Mark, Matt and Peter, grandchildren Taylor, Jovey and Jaylon, and many other relatives as well as an endless list of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2024 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska, Wisconsin. Friends may call one hour prior to time of service.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Hospice, they are the most incredibly caring and gifted group of providers! A special thanks to Karla and Tammy for their help near the end.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.
My heartfelt condolences
I was deeply saddened to hear the recent news of your loss of Mike. We grew up in the same neighborhood in La Crosse, WI on 26th St. I remember him through adolescence to adulthood. In 1985 he came here to Arizona and stayed with us for a few months. He got a temporary job a Nissan. One day we had a garage sale and he put and we had a dog we couldn’t keep. So Mike put a ‘For Sale’ sign on the dog and a lady bought him. Mike was a hard worker from his first job at McDonald’s and even Burlington Railroad. He had a positive attitude and was always carrying a smile. 🙂
OMG that is the first time I’ve heard this story. Thank you for putting a smile on my face!
Joan, I sure am sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. He was way too young for this to happen. I first met Mike at a McKesson party and I knew immediately who the funniest and most entertaining person in the room was. I was lucky to have known him. Take care Joan and call anytime Kathy and I can help.
I was looking for another and saw this. I’m sorry for a loss of such a hard working, fun guy at way too young an age. I was a rep on AFLCIO for a few years with him. So sorry to see he has passed. My condolences to his family. Mike was a good guy! I’m sure he is missed a lot. May you find peace in your memories of him.
Thank you!
That you George for your kind words. Kathy was crazy about him.
He is already missed. It was a pleasure having some opportunities to know a little about him. I’m grateful Jaylon has lots of memories with his grandpa.
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We spent many hours together on the Western Wisconsin AFL- CIO. Also worked many Labor Day Parades. Had many good times with Mike. Sorry again.
Mary and I are saddened by this news. Mike was a kind soul and a good friend and a great advocate of social justice for workers. I had the pleasure of working with him at many Labor events and we attended several Labor Conventions over many years together. I remember one in Madison where Mike was standing near the doorway during a speech and leaned up against the wall and accidently turned all the lights off in the entire hall. We had a good laugh at that. He worked tirelessly for worker’s rights and we will miss him. So sorry to hear of his passing, all our sympathies Joan. Terry and Mary Hicks
Thank you Terry, love the ‘light’ story.
So saddened & sorry for your loss Joan & Koziara
Family ,he was a great friend ♡ kj and Meko ♡
My heartfelt condolences go out to Mike’s family. Brother Mike was vice president of the WWAFLCIO for over a decade and was instrumental in setting up and organizing the “front end” of the Labor Day Parade for over twenty years.
The WWAFLCIO extends our deepest condolences to our union brother Mike Koziara. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan, his wife of nearly 35 years, and her family during this difficult time.
I’m so very sorry of the great loss of Mikey. I have know the entire Kozaira family since I was around 14 I lived on brookcourt Mark would pick me up to go to school each morning. The 1st truck I bought was a ford had a three on the tree I did not know how to drive it, I asked Mike to teach me because he was so patient, Success!! Thanks Mike
He was an incredible man, always a smile, always a plan.
I’m so very sorry for you Joan, Children The Kozaira Brothers & so many Friends! had a plan to come to lacrosse from Florida next week I tried to up the date so I could attend but sadly I won’t be able too RIP Michael Nice knowing ya until we meet again.
Love Always,
Chrissy Galarce-Haller-Anderson