Diane Kozitza

Diane L. Kozitza, of Thompson, passed away one day after her 77th birthday, on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN.

A memorial service for Diane will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson, with Pastor Zech Anderson officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. the day of the service at the church and continue until 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow the service at Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Vinje.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Dress A Girl. Checks can be made out to: “H4WI” PO BOX 14 Forest City, IA 50436.

Diane Lynn (Grunhovd) was born on November 17, 1946 in Forest City to parents Harold R. and Leonora M. (Sunde) Grunhovd. Her father was a teacher, so the family moved often, living in Scarville, Seneca, Ledyard, and Sheffield, where she graduated high school in 1964. Diane continued her education, going to college for two years in Mankato, MN.

On October 23, 1967, Diane was united in marriage to Jim Kozitza in Newport News, VA where Jim was serving his country. Similar to her childhood, Diane and Jim moved often, living in Minnesota, Iowa, and Florida before settling in rural Thompson in 1981.

Diane worked at local newspapers in the area, including: The Lake Mills Graphic, Thompson Courier, and Kiester Courier. Diane was a Paraprofessional at North Iowa Middle School for 15 years, retiring in 2015 – a job she loved! Diane was a social butterfly, talking to new people, talking on the phone for hours, or engaging with her students. Diane volunteered at Dress A Girl, helping to make many outfits for girls in need. She also was on the church council at Bethany Lutheran for many years. Diane enjoyed reading, watching Wheel of Fortune or Murder Mystery shows on TV, and was always up for a political debate! Above all, Diane cherished the times spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Diane is preceded in death by both parents, Harold and Leonora Grunhovd; and a brother in-law, Steve Peik.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her husband of 56 years, Jim Kozitza of Thompson; children, Warren (Laurel) Kozitza of River Falls, WI, Chad (Amy) Kozitza of Mason City, and Jared Kozitza of Buffalo Center; grandchildren, Jackson (Makaila) Kozitza, Emma (Carter) Nelson, Phoebe Kozitza, and Tessa Kozitza; sister, Linda Peik of Davenport; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Schott Funeral Homes – Mittelstadt Chapel in Lake Mills in assisting the family