Barbara Kozak was born on November 22, 1937 to John A. and Anna (Hrinda) Vokurka of Gary, Indiana. She attended Emerson High School where she made lifelong friends, played violin in the orchestra, played in many sports, and was head cheerleader. After graduation, she attended Indiana University where she rode in the Mini 500’s and graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She later received her Master’s Degree and put both to work for over thirty years teaching at Franklin Elementary in Gary and at Black Oak Elementary in the Lake Ridge School District before retiring. Shortly after she began her teaching career, she met her future husband James, and the rest is history! They celebrated their 60th anniversary before his passing in 2023. Barbara was a member of St. Stephen the Martyr Church where she was a member of the choir and the Women’s Club. She also belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher Society where she was awarded a forty-year membership award. Family was everything to her and she loved and cherished them dearly. She was not only a great and loyal friend to many, but a true lover of all animals. Her dogs, cats, birds and even racoons brought her true joy in life. She never met an animal she didn’t love or want to care for its well-being. She was an expert gardener and loved working in her garden and with her flowers.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents John and Anna Vokurka, her sister Joanne Vajner, and her brother Dr. John Vokurka. She is survived by her loving children Susan (Jeffrey) Rietveld of Franklin, TN and Mallori Lucas of Hobart, IN. She was never at a loss of words or praise when it came to her four grandchildren: Meghan Rietveld, Aaron Rietveld, Kyle Lucas, and Brenna Lucas. Barbara also leaves behind her dear sister-in-law Janice Vokurka of Bowling Green, Ky and Elizabeth Anderson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; as well as cousins, many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Friends and family may visit at RENDINA FUNERAL HOME 5100 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN on Friday May 2 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  A funeral service will follow directly. On May 3, at 8:00 a.m. we will meet at RENDINA FUNERAL HOME to say goodbye and to proceed to Calumet Park Cemetery for the Interment.