Madelyn Frances Kozitza, age 95 of Burnsville, formerly of Mankato, passed away January 11, 2025.

Madelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; parents, Frank and Veronica Flemming, siblings Mary Jo, Bernard, Vincent, and John Flemming.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Kelly) Osterdyk, Mary Lou (Walter) Haedt, Lynette (Michael) Corbey, Bernie (Robin), Brian (Kristen), Lisa (Douglas) Quast, and Bob (Melanie); grandchildren, Katie (Eric), Becky (Ryan), Eric (Kendra), Alissa (Brian), Adam (Tamarra), Grant, Griffan (Brittney), Callyn (Trevor), Evangeline (Christopher), Harlan (Laurli), Arianna (Tyler), Megan (Mason), Jennica, Alex, and Sam; great-grandchildren Sully, Henry, Calvin, Audrey, Vince, Keira, Emery, Athanasius, and Cordelia; and brothers, Francis and Paul Flemming.

Our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

Madelyn Frances Flemming was born in Florence, South Dakota, on July 27, 1929, to Frank and Veronica Flemming. She was the second of 7 children.  She attended a single room rural school (within walking distance of the family farm) before graduating from Watertown High School. Following her passion for helping others, she earned her registered nursing degree from Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Her journey took her to Mankato, Minnesota, where she worked at St. Joseph's Hospital as a labor and delivery nurse. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ronald Kozitza, under serendipitous circumstances. When Ron's sister-in-law, Orvah, gave birth Madelyn was her nurse.  It was December 1954, and Orvah arranged a dinner date for them shortly after Ron returned from Korea. The connection was instant, and by March, they were engaged. On June 28, 1955, they were married at Blessed Sacrament Church in Florence, beginning a lifelong partnership.

The couple started their life together on the Kozitza family farm in a tiny 2-bedroom house that quickly filled with love and laughter as they welcomed seven children in seven years. Realizing the need for more space, they moved to Mankato for two years before building their forever home in lower North Mankato in 1965.

Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly as a labor and delivery nurse, a role in which she touched countless lives, including being present for the births of many extended family members as well as assisting in the birth of some of her own grandchildren. Her dedication to her profession was matched only by her commitment to her family, ensuring each of her children had exactly what they needed to thrive.

After retiring, she and Ron enjoyed their golden years in Arizona until his passing in 2013. She then returned to Minnesota, this time to Burnsville, where her vibrant spirit continued to shine. She cherished her time in her apartment at Gramercy forming close friendships and engaging in the community. When it came time for more help, she moved to Arbors Assisted Living, where her sociable nature and zest for life remained unchanged, as she participated in many activities and brought joy to those around her.

She was always loving and proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent with them. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love made her a cherished presence in the lives of her family and friends.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the incredible life she lived and the countless lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 County Rd 42 E, Burnsville, MN 55306, with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks you make donations in Madelyn's honor, checks to be made payable to the Ebenezer Foundation, 7505 Metro Blvd., Ste 100, Edina, MN 55439 and write Arbors at Ridges Activities in the memo line.

Funeral services will be livestreamed, https://youtube.com/live/NLztEr1fn0c?feature=share