Ruth Marie Kozitza

Ruth Marie Kozitza, 76, of Mankato, MN, died on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Birchwood Cottages of North Mankato, MN, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Memorial Service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Kerns Oak Grove Cemetery in North Mankato, MN.

Ruth was born on November 23, 1949, to Marie E. Vossen (Theis) and Richard J. Vossen in Arlington, MN.

Ruth graduated from Arlington Green Isle High School in 1966 and later earned her beautician’s license at Red Carpet Beauty College in Minneapolis, MN. She married Richard J. Kozitza, Jr. on April 22, 1972 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arlington, MN. Together, they we blessed with four children: DeeDra, Amanda, Nicole, and Lucas.

Ruth can best be remembered as the ultimate caregiver. Whether for her beloved family and friends or in her employment endeavors as a Clerk at Madsen’s Pharmacy, saleswoman at Landkamer Furniture, Title I Aide for Mankato Area Public Schools, or caregiver at Freedom Homecare she took great pride in caring for others.

Ruth found joy in the comforts of home and the company of family, and she especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren and siblings. She loved to sew and bake, looked forward to her card club, and enjoyed whistling while doing jigsaw puzzles. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was an active member of the Council of Catholic Women at Holy Rosary, taught religious education, and sang in the choir. Ruth valued happiness and found her greatest joy in making others laugh. Ruth was FUN!

Ruth is survived by husband, Richard (Dick) Kozitza Jr.; children, DeeDra (Steve) Vosburg, Amanda (Jeni Kolstad) Kozitza, Nicole (Leo) Arevalo, and Lucas (Brandy) Kozitza; grandchildren, Samuel, Madelyn, and William Vosburg, Siva Kolstad and Leif Stout, Giovanni, Isabella, and Daniella Arevalo, and Charlotte and Luna Kozitza.

Also left to remember Ruth is her best friend, Jane Vanderhoof; her sisters, Mary Randleman, Majorie (Mark) Ryan, Susan (Scott) Conley, Carol (Langford) Jordan; brothers, Michael (Suzanne) Vossen, Thomas Vossen, Patrick (Kathy) Vossen, and John (Jody) Vossen; sisters-in-law, Sandy (Mark) Schaefer, Jacquie (Brian) Grams, and Trudie Gustafson; and brother-in-law, Bill (Sherry) Kozitza.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Richard Vossen; brother, William Vossen; in-laws, Orvah and Richard (Pike) Kozitza; sister-in-law, Jan Kozitza; brothers-in-law, Tony Kozitza, Randy Randleman, and Jack Gustafson.

A special thank you to the caregiving teams at Birchwood Cottages and St. Croix Hospice for the endless love and support.