LeRoy F. “Butch” Kozeny

LeRoy F. “Butch” Kozeny

April 7, 1934 – May 15, 2022

VISITATION begins on Thursday, May 19th at 5pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by WAKE SERVICE at 6:30pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, May 20th at 10:30am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3122 S. 74th St. Memorials are suggested to ILAC/CESI Institute of Latin American Concern. (https://www.ilac.org.do/site/?page_id=1657&lang=en )

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LeRoy F. “Butch” Kozeny, age 88, of Omaha, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Bergan Mercy Hospital. Butch was born in Omaha, the son of Rose (Stanek) and Laddie J. Kozeny.

Butch graduated from Omaha South High School in 1952. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956, where he received the Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medal. He was stationed for two years in Hawaii and ended with the rank of sergeant.

Butch married Marilyn Joan Smola on August 30, 1958, and they raised two sons.

In 1961, Butch graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Omaha University, where he played both varsity basketball and baseball. The baseball team played in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championship game in 1959 and lost to Southern University whose team included Lou Brock, a future National Baseball Hall of Famer. Butch was co-captain of the Omaha University baseball team, and his composite batting average was .329. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played semi-pro baseball for the City of Ralston in the Platte Valley Baseball League. In 2006, Butch was inducted into the Nebraska & Western Iowa “Old Timers” Baseball Hall of Fame.

Butch began working for Omaha University in 1961 and left as Assistant Director of Business and Finance in 1973 to become Controller at Creighton University, where he stayed for 34 years. At Creighton, Butch was CFO for Health Sciences, Associate VP of Finance and Administration, and VP for Financial Affairs and Treasurer. He retired from Creighton in 2005 and returned for two years after retirement. In 1997, Butch was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award at Creighton University. For decades, Butch worked on the side as a financial advisor, accountant, and tax preparer for numerous small businesses in the Omaha area, including P&M Hardware, Darby’s Tavern, and the Lodge and Audiologist Group.

Butch was a Board Member of United Catholic Social Services, where he served as Treasurer and twice as President. He participated in the Institute for Latin America Concern (ILAC) at Creighton University for 32 years. He was Chairman of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Finance Committee for more than 20 years. He twice chaired the Columban Fathers Fund Drive and Festival. He was an instructor for community service courses at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and served as President of Platteview Golf Club.

Butch loved to polka dance, bowl and play golf, horseshoes, and fast-pitch softball. He coached Westgate Little League and CYO sports for St. Joan of Arc. He was a lifetime fan and season ticket holder of Nebraska Football and Creighton Basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kozeny; sons, Douglas E. Kozeny and Thomas L. Kozeny (Jill); grandchildren: Katey, Will, Luka, Mary Rose, Andrew, and Teddy; brothers, Leonard Kozeny (Jo Ann) and Lawrence “Buzz” Kozeny (Connie); sister in-law, Johanna; cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Laddie Kozeny Jr.