Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, March 13 at First United Methodist Church, St. Cloud Region in Sartell for Rita M. Kozak, 91 of St. Cloud, who passed away at her home on Tuesday surrounded by her family. Rev. Leah Rosso will officiate and burial will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake. Relatives and friends may visit one hour prior to services at the church in Sartell on Monday. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

 

Rita was born on July 10, 1925 in Little Falls to Harold and Celia (Bauer) Baumgardner. She was married to Kermit Kozak on July 10, 1951. Rita received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education. She began her teaching career in a one room, country school and eventually worked for the Sartell – St. Stephen School District as a third grade teacher. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, St. Cloud Region, in Sartell. Rita was a farmer’s wife, always having a meal ready and keeping up with the household duties. She was a great cook, always had treats ready in her famous “snack drawer” and was a true matriarch of her family. She loved her whole family unconditionally, was reliable, and very hardworking. Rita had a heart of gold, loved her cats and her family was her world.

 

Survivors include her daughter, Pam Kozak of St. Cloud; six grandsons and seven great grandchildren with one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kermit; daughter, Connie Lee; son, Jim Kozak; sister, Iris Baumgardner; and brother, Bailey Baumgardner.

 

Memorials are preferred. Obituary and guestbook available online: www.williamsdingmann.com