Walter "Walt" Kozojed

Walter passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at the Hillsboro Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Walter was born on November 8, 1930, in Fargo, North Dakota, and was the youngest of three children to William and Mary (Kritzberger) Kozojed. He grew up on the Kozojed family farm near Hillsboro. Walt attended school in Hillsboro and began farming the family farm at an early age. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 until his discharge in 1953. He returned to North Dakota and continued farming. Walter was united in marriage to LaVonne Vettel on November 12, 1953. They made their home west of Hillsboro where they farmed for many years. Walt and LaVonne moved into Hillsboro in 2007.

Walter was a lifelong member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hillsboro. He was very active serving as Principal of CCD, a Knight of Columbus member for over 60 years – serving as Grand Knight. Walt also was very active on the Bloomfield Township Board, served as President of the Traill County Township Officers, was a 4-H  leader, and loved his time on the Election Board.

Walt was a family man – he cherished all of his family and loved making many wooden stools and shelves for the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a farmer at heart – raising dairy cows, driving tractor, tending to his fields, and loved growing acres of sweet corn to share. He also took every chance he could to go to the lake with his family to fish. In later years, Walt greatly enjoyed his visits with his coffee buddies, visits from family and friends, and his time spent on the John Deere lawn mower.

Walt is survived by his wife, LaVonne of Hillsboro; his children, Karen Lilleboe of Billings, MT; Michael (Margaret) Kozojed of Mayville, ND; Connie Bertsch of Mayville, ND; Patrice (Mitch) Elliott of Billings, MT; and Paul (Melissa) Kozojed of Hillsboro, ND; 17 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. Walt is also survived by his very special sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many other very dear relatives.Walt was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Deb Kozojed; and his siblings, Maxine (Leonard) Muller and Lois (Earl) Henn.