Mike Koziara, vice president emeritus of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO, passed away at the age of 64 on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home.

He was born February 28, 1960, to Stanley and Linda Koziara. He married Joan Lodoen on September 30, 1989, in Barre Mills, Wisconsin.

He was a lifelong railroad employee with plenty of stories to tell. He served as vice president for more than a decade under the leadership of then-President Terry Hicks. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance and Way Engineers 509 (a division of the Teamsters) and was a member of the board for the La Crosse, Burlington Credit Union. He also organized the front-end of the La Crosse Labor Day parade for over twenty years.

Michael enjoyed tinkering in his shed, hunting, fishing and spending time with his dog Sam. He was a really good speaker and knew how to work a room with using his gift for gab.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Joan Koziara, his dog Sam, his stepdaughters Emily and Kelly, his brothers Mark, Matt and Peter, his grandchildren Taylor, Jovey and Jaylon, and many other relatives and countless friends.

A memorial service was held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Gathering House, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin.