John Koziarski

John Koziarski, 65, of Lansing, IL, passed away at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Karen (née Baker) of 44 years; his children, John D. (Wendy) Koziarski, Jessica (Justin) Maslanka, Sarah (Joseph) Rizzi, and Amanda Koziarski; his grandchildren, Makayla, Joseph Jr., Paisley, Kane, Colt, and Quinn; his brothers, Edward (Rita) Koziarski and Joseph (Susan) Koziarski; and brother-in-law, Tom Bechtel.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Marion (née Kozlowski) Koziarski, and his sisters, Catherine “Cathy” Barkwill, Nancy Bechtel, and Mary Koziarski.

John was born on September 20, 1960, in Chicago, IL, and in 1978, he graduated from George Washington High School, where he played baseball and football. He married his wife, Karen, on October 10, 1981. He lived with his family in Chicago until they moved to Lansing in 1998. In 2019, John retired from Cook County Lumber in Chicago after more than 35 years of service. 

John was an avid fan of Chicago sports (not the Cubs) and Neil Young. He coached baseball at East Side Little League throughout the 1990s, inspiring his son to become a coach. He loved playing his guitar, was a sneaky good artist, and was known as the go-to computer fixer guy. He ran his Kozypool football pool for more than 40 years. In recent times, John enjoyed playing with his dog, Shadow; spending time with his grandchildren; and interacting with his many, many friends on Facebook.

John was famously funny, displaying that classic Koziarski humor. He was thoughtful, giving, and well-liked. He was one of the good ones, and he will be missed.  

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm, at Hillside Funeral Home in Highland, Indiana. The family requests no flowers.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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