Obituary of D/Lt. Chester Dwayne Kozak

Kozak, D/Lt. Chester Dwayne

West Bloomfield, Michigan

Our loving husband, brother, uncle, protector and dear friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Trinity Health Oakland Hospital. He was 77 years old. Chester Dwayne Kozak was born on October 4, 1947 in Saginaw to Chester A. and Ethel “Pete” (Reed) Kozak. He graduated from Bridgeport High School, Class of 1965. Following high school, Chet attended Ferris State University. He joined the United States Army Reserves and was called into active duty during the Detroit Riots of 1967. Chet continued to serve with the reserves while working at General Motors, where he met his soon to be wife, Nancy Jean Hauck. They were married on April 4, 1970 in Saginaw, and together they celebrated 55 wonderful years together. Chet became an officer with the Tittabawassee Township Police Department, and then became the Chief of Police for Spaulding Township Police Department. He enlisted with the Michigan State Police Department on June 12, 1978, and his first post was in Ypsilanti Post #26. In 1986 he earned the rank of Detective Sergeant, Jackson Post #41. He transferred to Livonia CID in the spring of 1989. While there he worked several units including narcotics, fugitive team and organized crime. Chet was promoted to Detective Lieutenant in March of 1999 and went on to work with the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force. On September 27, 2003, Chet retired from the Michigan State Police. He also held membership with the Pulaski Club, Saginaw and Moose Lodge #782, Ypsilanti. During his retirement years, he loved to travel with Nancy and greatly enjoyed golfing with Nancy and his close friends Don, Dan, Jamie, CJ and Greg Anderson (who preceded him in death). Throughout his life he also enjoyed fly fishing, golfing, softball, bowling, playing the drums and spending time on his flight simulator. Anyone who had spent any time with Chet, knew how he kept the conversation going with his stories and adventures.

Chet is survived by his wife, Nancy; sisters, Dawn (Dan) Mahoney and Christy (Robert) Hoffmann; siblings-in-law: Larry (Jan) Hauck, Judy Jones, Alan (Lois) Hauck, Karen (Eric) Schiesswohl and Helene (Michael) Pavlov; many nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Deisler Funeral Home on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Chet will also be honored by the Michigan State Police.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund, https://mstaf.firstresponderprocessing.com  Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com