Josephine (Parbel) Kozak

KOZAK - Family and friends are saddened by the passing of Josephine Kozak (Parbel), age 86, of Walker, on September 1, 2008, from Parkinson's disease. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene, of 59 years, and their eldest son, Karl. Josephine grew up on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, and was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and Davenport College of Business. She served her country as a Navy Wave during WWII, based in Washington D.C., and trained as a Japanese decoder. After marrying Eugene in 1948, they settled in Walker and raised their five children, Karl (deceased), Mary (Richard) Ruster, Jane (Robert) Ungrey, Julie (James) Douma and John (Melinda) Kozak. Jo worked as a Purchasing Clerk at Edge Industries in Walker for 20 years. Josephine and Eugene were charter members of Holy Spirit Parish. After retirement, Jo was involved with volunteer activities at Holy Spirit and with the Grand Rapids Rosary Makers Society, where she made and donated over 8,000 rosaries to overseas missions. Josephine is also survived by 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, along with her sister, Rosemary (Edmund) Kilmartin, Louise Slater; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Parbel and Dolores Parbel; and many nieces and nephews. Josephine will be remembered as a loving, gentle soul. She was the heart of her family and her quiet, gentle spirit of life will be missed. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, at a time to be announced. Family and friends may express condolences at Arsulowicz Mortuary, Remembrance Rd. on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Spirit Education Fund. ARSULOWICZ BROTHERS, REMEMBRANCE MORTUARY www.arsulowiczbrothers.com