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Barbara Kozak Obituary
Nov 22, 1937 - Apr 13, 2025
Barbara Kozak, Hobart, IN: Barbara Kozak was born on November 22, 1937 to John A. and Anna (Hrinda) Vokurka of Gary, Indiana.
She attended Emerson High School where she made lifelong friends, played violin in the orchestra, played in many sports, and was head cheerleader. After graduation, she attended Indiana University where she rode in the Mini 500's and graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She later received her Master's Degree and put both to work for over thirty years teaching at Franklin Elementary in Gary and at Black Oak Elementary in the Lake Ridge School District before retiring. Shortly after she began her teaching career, she met her future husband James, and the rest is history! They celebrated their 60th anniversary before his passing in 2023. Barbara was a member of St. Stephen the Martyr Church where she was a member of the choir and the Women's Club. She also belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher Society where she was awarded a forty-year membership award. Family was everything to her and she loved and cherished them dearly. She was not only a great and loyal friend to many, but a true lover of all animals. Her dogs, cats, birds and even racoons brought her true joy in life. She never met an animal she didn't love or want to care for its well-being. She was an expert gardener and loved working in her garden and with her flowers.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents John and Anna Vokurka, her sister Joanne Vajner, and her brother Dr. John Vokurka. She is survived by her loving children Susan (Jeffrey) Rietveld of Franklin, TN and Mallori Lucas of Hobart, IN. She was never at a loss of words or praise when it came to her four grandchildren: Meghan Rietveld, Aaron Rietveld, Kyle Lucas, and Brenna Lucas. Barbara also leaves behind her dear sister-in-law Janice Vokurka of Bowling Green, Ky and Elizabeth Anderson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; as well as cousins, many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Friends and family may visit at RENDINA FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN on Friday, May 2 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow directly. On May 3, at 8:00 a.m., we will meet at RENDINA FUNERAL HOME to say goodbye and to proceed to Calumet Park Cemetery for the Interment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Kozak
Sponsored by The Times.
Becky Bane
August 10, 2025
Barb was my suitemate at IU in Smithwood Hall. We had stayed in touch every year at Christmas time. I live in Indianapolis so we have not visited for some time. When I did not hear from her this past year after reaching out several times I decided I would check further. Her roommate, Marge McVey had contacted me to see if I knew anything about her as she hadn´t heard from her either.
Annette
May 1, 2025
Barb was my cousin who always loved my visits when I came to NW Indiana. I loved to hear her stories about growing up in Gary and her teaching stories. She endured many health issues. I am glad she is finally at peace. The photo is at her favorite place to eat with another cousin, Karen, and myself. Fond memories there
Catherine Dziadosz Smith
April 29, 2025
Dear Susan and Mallory,
So sorry to hear of your mom´s passing! Rip Barb
Sincerely,
Cathy Dziadosz Smith (Julie´s sis)
Michelle Bazin-Johnson
April 29, 2025
My parents (Steve and Kay Bazin) cherished the long-time friendship they had with Barb and Jim. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time -- may the happy memories and stories be a comfort!
~Michelle Bazin-Johnson
Judy Surowiec
April 28, 2025
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Barbara´s daughters and all of her family. I taught with Barbara at Franklin School and
continued to see her at the Delta Kappa Society meetings throughout the years. She was a wonderful person. May your many happy memories bring you comfort and peace. Judy Surowiec
April 28, 2025
Barb was an absolutely wonderful teacher and a great human being. She will be missed.
Liz Potter and Cindy Willison
April 28, 2025
My mother and I both worked for Carsons in The Fine Jewelry Dept and that is where we met Barb and Jim. They not only became good customers but also great friends. My mom, Liz, would have her annual pig roast and they were always so excited to come and we were just as excited to see them. Barb and Jim were one of a kind and we will miss them both so much! Prayers to the family and Rest in Peace Barb.
Ree Dawson
April 28, 2025
Barbara was a true treasure, reminding me of other Vokurka women in our family.
We enjoyed talking about our mothers, how much we loved them both.
I admired and loved her.
Miss you, Ree
Kim Doll
April 28, 2025
I´m so terribly sorry for your loss
She was my son Shane´s teacher
And Black Oak school
I was very sad moving away from there 32 yrs.ago because I really wanted my other 2 children to have her as a teacher also
She was such a AWESOME teacher
Again I´m so very,very sorry for your loss
We still live 400 miles away otherwise I know that my children ( grown now) especially Shane would have wanted to attend her wake
I´ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Mrs.Kim Doll
Bryan & Cindy Weck
April 27, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We had such fun times with Barb. We went on many walks together with our dog. She loved her dog Louie and her cats very much. She also had a beautiful flower garden. She gave us some starts of her many flowers. Every time we look at those flowers, we will think of memories of Barb.
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