Francis Wayne (Pete) Kozak

Alaska resident Francis Wayne (Pete) Kozak, 47, died April 19, 2012, at his home in Palmer.

A celebration of life service is at 2 p.m., May 12 at Family Christian Center, 203 W. Dogwood Ave., Palmer.

Pete was born Nov. 20, 1964, in Sonoma, Calif., to Michael F. Sr. and Georgette Kozak.

The family moved to Alaska July 9, 1976, and have all lived here ever since. Pete loved Alaska and what it offered — the outdoors, adventure and the Last Frontier. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, NASCAR fan and family man. Every day to Pete was a great adventure.

His father got his boys involved in the family construction business from the time they were very little. Pete continued those skills into adulthood and carried on what his father taught him into his own construction business. He took great pride and skill in his profession and in his work.

Surviving are his mother, Georgette Kozak; brothers and sister, Michael, Gregory and Nicole Kozak and their families; and sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and David Rodekohr and their family; wife, Maria Kozak; children, Tyler, BreyAnna and Keysha Kozak; step-children, Tonya Pellham and Dylan Kelley; and four grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his father, Michael F. Kozak Sr.; and grandparents, John and Ruby Kozak, and Michael and Marie Wenandy.

“Beans, we will miss your cocky personality, your awesome smile, your adventurous side and the love you gave to your family,” his family wrote. “We love you and miss you greatly. You will always and forever be in our hearts, love, Mom, Miki, Mike, Greg and Nicole.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to MDA Alaska, 121 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503. Please make checks payable to MDA Alaska; in the memo portion of check insert “in memory of Francis (Pete) Kozak.”