Edward Robert Koziatek

Edward Robert Koziatek of Euless, TX passed away April 29, 2025, at the age of 91 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Chicago, IL to Martin and Anna Koziatek with his twin brother, Richard Koziatek. The twins were a handful and were doted on and cared for by their older sister Estelle while their parents worked. Ed and his brother were attracted to fast cars at an early age and quit school to support their family and save up for their first car. Ed’s first job was putting labels on pickle jars at a pickle factory, as he told his children whenever they had the poor judgment to complain about their own job. He eventually began working in a machinist shop with his older brother Chester before joining the Air Force during the Korean War, where he learned his “first career” as an aircraft mechanic. He joined American Airlines in 1952 and spent the next 25 years working on planes.

In 1963 his life changed when he met Lynda Meurk, the love of his life. They bonded over a love of fishing, and after a short courtship began their long journey through life together. They had two mostly well-behaved children and enjoyed travel and spending time with family.

After a dispute with the company, Ed ran for president of Local 512 of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in 1976. This is where he found his true gift, serving his brothers and sisters in the union. Through the years he rose through the ranks, negotiating contracts throughout until he’d reached the position of International Vice President and Air Division Director before retiring in 2001.

Ed’s retirement was mostly spent reading, traveling, chauffeuring his wife to quilt shows, and enjoying his grandchildren. He had a very strong faith and relied on it to get through life’s challenges.

He is survived by his wife Lynda (Meurk), his son Steve (Tifany), his daughter Karen, his loving granddaughters Elizabeth (Shae) Gerlach, Kacie Kerlee, and Kendall Robinson (Morgon), and great grandchildren Ember, Locke, and Ness Gerlach. He is preceded in death by his siblings Richard (Norene), Chester (late Alice), and Estelle (late Ralph) Gayton.