Richard A. Kozel

Richard "Dick" Kozel Richard "Dick" Anton Kozel passed away peacefully in Vancouver, Washington November 21, 2022 at the age of 86. Dick was born in Forest River, North Dakota. At the age of 18 he joined the Navy and served four years primarily in the Pacific. After his enlistment he returned home to North Dakota, working in the Grafton area where he met and married his first wife Phyllis (Useldinger). After vacationing in Washington they moved west (1962-63) settling in Vancouver, WA. Dick remarried in 1976 to Shirley (Bauer) and they were married until she passed away in 1989. Dick worked in the steel foundry industry as the maintenance lead for Varicast, Inc. and retired after 30 years of service. Dick was an active Moose Lodge member for 50 years. He really enjoyed cooking steaks and serving crab with his brothers at the "Lodge". Additionally, he maintained the grounds/memorial rose beds at the Vancouver Moose Lodge. In later years his afternoon ritual was going to the Dollars Corner Moose and occupying his favorite bar stool and having a Diet Peach Snapple. Dick was an avid gardener known for sharing his farming knowledge with any who would ask. His passions included going with family and friends to rodeos all over the Pacific Northwest and watching his beloved Seattle Mariners. One of his last joys was watching the Mariners fight for 18 innings in the playoffs this year. Most of all Dick, Pops, Dad or Grandpa was a family man and loved to share his time, stories and life experiences with his kids, grandkids and family members. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Elizabeth, his sister Dorothy, wife Shirley and his nephew Lee. He leaves behind his brother George (Wilma), children Kris (Carmen), Kim (Ken), grandchildren - Kayla (Shelby), Ashley (Tony), Mike (Emily), Sean, great grandchildren - Sophia, Addison and Kennedy. He also leaves behind a special friend and companion Sherri Cardoza and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place Sunday December 11, 2022 from 9:00-11:00am at the Dollars Corner Moose Lodge 6719 219th Street, Battle Ground, WA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your local hospice organization in care of Richard Kozel.

Richard A. Kozel

September 7, 1936 - November 21, 2022