Char Kozak of Schaumburg dies 82 days after husband
Char Kozak, wife of late Schaumburg village trustee Frank Kozak, passed away last week at the age of 80, only 82 days after her husband.
Both were deeply involved in the Schaumburg community they'd made their home since 1969.
Char was a longtime employee of Schaumburg High School and an active member of volunteer organizations such as the Schaumburg Jaycettes as well as the Church of the Holy Spirit.
The Kozaks gained notice outside their hometown in 2013 when they survived a massive tornado near Oklahoma City that obliterated the house in which they were sheltering.
The couple were visiting Char's brother when the EF5 tornado struck and killed 24 people, injured more than 200 others and destroyed more than 1,100 homes.
The Kozaks took refuge in a closet and survived, in part, thanks to a hot water tank falling on them, keeping them pinned down and alive as winds ripped off the roof and the walls crumbled. Even their new SUV parked outside was blown away.
Char was the mother of Steve Kozak and Shiela Watson and grandmother of nine. Services were held earlier this week in Schaumburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Misericordia/Heart of Mercy Center, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, or Church of the Holy Spirit, 1451 W. Bode Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194.
For more information, including a video tribute or online condolences, visit ahlgrimfuneral.com or call (847) 882-5580.