Obituaries : Linda Rae Kozik

With a heart as full as the love she poured into her family, Linda Rae Kozik, 64, passed away on February 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. True to her spirit, she spent her final moments wrapped in the warmth of those she cherished-surrounded by laughter, birthday candles, the sounds of an Iowa Women's basketball game, and the hugs of her beloved grandbabies.

Born on October 10, 1960, in Belle Plaine, IA, Linda was the daughter of Neatha and Richard "Dick" Spading, but her proudest titles were those of devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring "Nana" to eight grandchildren. Linda's life was defined by the joy she found in others-cheering on her children through every game and milestone, only to become the biggest fan of her grandbabies as they followed in those same footsteps. She had an artist's hands and a baker's heart, known for crafting beauty out of the simplest things-whether decorating a wedding, brightening a room, or serving up a plate of her famous homemade chicken and noodles, made with the same love that defined her life.

Linda's legacy lives on in the family she built and nurtured. She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Neatha Spading, and is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Doug; her children, Garrett (Janet) Kozik, Brittani (Bryan) Von Roden, Morgan (Cory) Mitchell, and Bailey (Brian) VanCura; and the lights of her life-her grandchildren, Cade, Kylea, Elliotte, Harper, Huesten, Taytem, Kayleigh, and Halston.

Friends and family are invited to honor her memory at a visitation on Thursday, February 27th 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service with a time for sharing to follow.

Linda will be laid to rest in a private burial at Redman Cemetery in Belle Plaine on Friday, February 28th. The family invites you to a Celebration of Life at Turner Hall following the burial from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

She leaves us with memories of a final trip to Nashville, where she watched her pride and joy sing her favorite song just for her. And just as she wanted them to know, she wants all of us to remember-live until you can't.

Linda fought a battle that too many face, with a strength and determination that inspired all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the family to be used in her honor for cancer awareness, detection and support, so that her fight may help others continue theirs.

Her laughter, her kindness, her way of making every moment special-these are the gifts she leaves behind. And as her favorite song reminds us:

"Don't wait on tomorrow, 'cause tomorrow may not show.
Say your sorry's, your I love you's, 'cause man, you never know."

Linda lived and loved fully. Let us do the same in her memory.