David John Koczur of Arcadia, Mo and, for a short while, Great Falls, MT, passed away July 6 at 5:45 am at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 16 days.
He was born November 20, 1942, in Buffalo, NY, the son of Joseph and Anna Dobmeier Koczur. He is survived by his older brother Danial Koczur, his oldest son, Timothy Koczur, his daughter in law, Annaliza Koczur, his four grandchildren, Olivia Koczur, Leslie Sherbondy, Jonathan Koczur and Elisabeth Koczur, and two great grandchildren, Ryley Sherbondy and Brooklynn Sherbondy. David was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Koczur, his twin sister JoAnne Doherty, his wife Susan Koczur, and his youngest son Edward Koczur.
He graduated from the New York State Maritime College, where he earned a degree in meteorology and a third mate/unlimited state merchant maritime license. He had many fond memories of college and of how he met Susan. He married Susan Bry on July 17th, 1965. He entered the Air Force in 1965 and retired in 1985, serving 20 years and earning his retirement from the Armed Forces while stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. During his service, he attended Missouri State University and earned his Master of Science degree in Safety.
David left Colorado in 1985 for adventures in the Mid-West. He joined the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) team in Glover, Missouri where he remained employed through the 1998 acquisition of the facility by the Doe Run Company until the company closed the facility in 2003, earning a retirement from both ASARCO and Doe Run Company. He served with a private defense contractor for three years during the Iraq War before permanently retiring.
David enjoyed being a family man, spoiling the wife he loved so much, accomplishing numerous upgrades to his homes, building barns and garages, landscaping his property, hunting, fishing, and gardening. Later, he traveled with his wife Susan, traversing Europe and even taking a trip through Russia. As he became mobility challenged, he enjoyed putting together complicated jig saw puzzles and watching sports, mostly NFL and MLB where he cheered for the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees. His favorite breed of dog was the Gordon Setter. He had numerous Gordon Setter puppies throughout his life and loved each and every one of them. David was a member of Ste. Marie Du Lac Catholic Church, Ironton, Mo and found much enjoyment in his church family. He lived in the Ironton and Arcadia area from 1985 until 2023 when his health situation required him to move to Great Falls, MT to live with his oldest son. There, he attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Great Falls, MT, for a short time until his mobility issues prohibited him from attending church further. He dearly loved both parishes.
He is so fondly remembered by his family, friends, in-laws, and all who spent any time with him. He is remembered as a generous, loving man and Grandpa. His great grandkids will miss searching his room for evidence of candy consumption before Grandpa Koczur would finally give up his candy treasure trove to them. A sentimental man, David loved his family dearly and spoke fondly of all. He will be missed.
A private family viewing will be held at Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory July 10th from 10am to 12pm. There will be a visitation period and Rosary Service at Cole Family Funeral Home, Ironton, Mo, on August 5th beginning 5pm for family 6pm – 8pm for the public with a saying of the rosary at 7pm. The funeral service mass will be held at Ste. Marie Du Lac Catholic Church at 10am. David will be interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 1:30 pm where David will be placed with his wife Susan.
