Marilyn Jean (Antkowiak) Kozak

Marilyn Jean Kozak (Antkowiak), 90 years of age and of Dyer, formerly of North Hammond, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, September 11, 2023 at her residence surrounded by family. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Jerry; loving mother of Barbara Turek and Jill (Ed) Udani both of Schererville and the late Cheryl Ann Kozak and Jack Kozak; adoring grandma of Brianna (Ryan) Grelecki, Brett Turek, Matthew, Joseph, and Mary Udani; great grandma of Keegan Grelecki; dear sister of Dolores (late Edward) Zubay, Diane Dean, the late Donald Ankov, and Virginia (Ted) Teets; proud aunt of many nieces and nephews. 

Marilyn has graciously donated her body to the IU School of Medicine. Visitation services with Marilyn’s family will be held on October 21, 2023 from 9:00am at Saint Maria Goretti Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, IN. A Celebration of Life Mass will follow at 10:00am.

Marilyn was born on August 11th, 1933 in East Chicago to Harry and Lottie (Orzel) Antkowiak. She was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1951. She was married at her home parish of Sacred Heart Church in Whiting on May 29th, 1954. She attended St. Margaret Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as salutatorian. She received her Bachelor of Science from St. Francis University. Marilyn worked at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond and was one of the first nurse epidemiologists. She later worked as a nurse for the Hammond Health Department. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Whiting. Upon moving to Dyer, she attended St. Maria Goretti Church and was a frequent attendee of morning mass with Fr. Niblick. Marilyn’s greatest delight was to spend time with her grandchildren. She loved attending all of their activities and sporting events and supporting them in all of their endeavors. She was a generous supporter of her grandchildren’s school, St. Michael’s in Schererville. In addition to her endless kindness and generosity, Marilyn was known for keeping in touch with family and friends, never having missed sending a card for a special occasion. Devoted to her family, Marilyn will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls or the Dementia Society of America.

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