Francis Wayne Kozak

Francis Wayne Kozak, 47, of Palmer died at home peacefully April 19, 2012, with his family by his side.

Francis was born Nov. 20, 1964, in Sonoma, Calif., to Michael and Georgette Kozak. The family moved to Alaska in the 1980s where he graduated from Bartlett High School. On June 19, 1998, he married Maria Evelina Tafoya in Pueblo, Colo.

His family wrote, “Francis, aka ‘Pedro Pete,’ will truly be missed. He was a devoted husband and father, and always gave 100 percent in everything he did. He definitely left his family with many great memories. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He inspired so many with his fight with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He loved NASCAR and his favorite driver, DeWalt’s Matt Kenseth, whom he met three times. He will forever be with us, but he is now in heaven with a whole body and no longer suffering.”

Pete was a member of Local 1281, where he worked for BEK of Alaska on construction jobs all over the state. He also owned and operated his own drywall co, X-Treme Drywall. He retired in 2009. Pete was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed riding snowmachines, ATVs and hunting. Most of all, he loved being with his wife and family. He and his family are members of Palmer Pentecostal Church.

Surviving are his wife, Maria; children, Tyler, BreyAnna and Keysha Kozak; step-children, Tonya Pellham and Dylan Kelley; grandchildren, Estin Kelley, Tommy Pellham, Ryland Kelley and Ember Kozak; mother, Georgette Kozak; sister, Michelle Rodekohr; brothers, Mike and Greg Kozak

Preceding him in death were his father, Michael Kozak; and uncle, Jim Kozak.

Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska Anchorage. An online guestbook may be signed at alaskacremation.com.