Arthur “Art” Bernard Kozminski

Kozminski, Arthur B. “Art”
Born to eternal life Sunday, September 2, 2018, at the age of 98. Preceded in death by his wife Othilia “Tillie”(née Juckem). Loving father of Janet (Rick) Schulz, and Helen Ann (Charles-Antoine) Leggeri. Proud grandfather of Eric (Jillian) Schulz and Adam Schulz. Great Grandfather of Gwyneth “Wynnie” Schulz. Preceded in death by his parents John and Eva (née Mikołajczak) Kozminski. Beloved brother of 12 siblings and their spouses, all of whom preceded him in death: Clem (Bunny) Kozminski, Roman “Roy” (Florence) Kozminski, Anthony “Curly” (Julie) Kozminski, Sylvester “Les” Kozminski, Richard “Dick” Komens, Mae (Tony) Zimny, Helen (Casimir “Doc”) Cajski, Alice (Val) Jazwiecki, Sophia “Marge” Kozminski, Sylvia (Ray) Gola, Dorothy “Dot” (Lester) Willock, and Jane (Bill) Smith. Beloved Uncle Art to many nieces and nephews, especially his goddaughter Marilyn and nieces Sandi and Wendy.

Art was proud to be a US Navy veteran, serving in both WWII and the Korean War. His primary deployment was on the U.S.S. Northampton, a destroyer protecting the U.S.S. Enterprise, which was tasked with search and rescue immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack. Throughout his life to the very end, Art was known for his curiosity, problem-solving, and knack for invention. Using the mechanical skills he learned in the Navy, he passed the Civil Service exam to join the United States Postal Service, maintaining the machinery at the downtown Milwaukee Post Office. During this period, he was awarded U.S. Patent 2,712,908 for a Hand-Line Fishing Reel, which has since been cited by more than a dozen others. Art and Tillie then moved to Franklin to secure better education for their daughter Janet, and he became a rural route carrier, making many friends along his mail route. Following his retirement from the post office, Art continued work as a private courier for Purolator.

Art’s kindness and sense of humor were appreciated by all. Together with Tillie, they came to the aid of countless individuals, always being there when others needed help or support. Art loved spending time in nature, and spent many hours over decades playing cards and Scrabble with Tillie (which for them, was a very competitive game!). They were both very proud of their daughters and grandsons, whom they enjoyed watching grow up to become independent.

Art’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers who supported his health and care over many years. Drs. James and Mark Clemence provided great care and guidance as his primary care physicians. The skills of many doctors, nurses, and other clinicians at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center gave several gifts that provided Art with an additional 25 happy, healthy years, for which we are forever grateful. The staff at Layton Terrace supported both Art and Tillie in making a new home there in January 2017. And special appreciation goes to the staff at Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation Center in Oconomowoc for their care of Art as he faced the challenge of rehabilitation and recovery in spring of this year, and helped him adapt to his new home this summer; we have nothing but happy memories of his time there, and their support of both Art and our family has been truly valued and will be remembered.

Visitation will be held 10AM-11AM on Saturday September 8th at ST. CHARLES BORROMEO (5571 S. Marilyn St. Milwaukee, WI 53228), with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM. Entombment St. Adalbert Cemetery.