Dear Papa,
It’s impossible to put into words the depth of sadness I feel losing you. You were my mentor, my greatest influence, my best friend, and my father. You shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me to live without regret, to always strive for more, and to never settle.
You believed in me even when I doubted myself. You saw the greatness in me when others—or even I—couldn’t. Because of you, I am strong. Because of you, I have the courage to face life’s challenges.
Losing you has been unbearable, and I have to admit, I’m still trying to process it. But beyond my sorrow, I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace, watching over me with that big, warm smile. Your legacy and your stories will live on through me. You are a part of me, forever.
Though you have set sail on your final journey, your memory will always remain in my heart. I cherish every moment we had together. I will honor you by living life to the fullest, just as you always wanted. I may not be as fearless as you, traveling across continents, but I promise to embrace each day with gratitude and adventure.
Thank you for being my father. I am grateful that I was able to say everything I needed to say to you. Being your daughter was not only a privilege but an honor, and I will always be proud to carry your stories and legacy forward.

Your Dear,

Auf wiedersehen Dear Werner
We're really gonna miss Dich
You were so Richtich
You predicted the rise
so we werent surprised
But you left us all 
Before the Fall
of the Fourth Reich

I first met Werner in 1987 when he was 44 years old and I was 35. He
has been a cherished friend ever since for a total of 38 years.
Some people change you for the better,
Some people open your eyes to new perspectives on life,
Some people open your mind to new ideas and possibilities,
Some people help you to become more tolerant and understanding of
other people and ways of life,
Some people open doors for you and lead you to new experiences,
and
Some people simply drive you crazy.
Werner did and was all of these things for me. But, most importantly, he
brought great joy to my life as I am certain he did for all of you here
today.
We shall never meet another person like him. We are lucky to have
known him and, indeed, we are all blessed and better people because of
him.
Safe travels Werner. We miss you, we love you, and we shall never
forget you.
With much love, forever,
Melissa Luce

A miniature mosaic of the man
made from Germanic word pebbles

Always
Fernweh

(wanderlust, longing for foreign places)

allumfassende Weltanschauung

(inclusive worldview)
Seinen Senf dazugeben
(always ready with an opinion)

Never

Erklärungsnot/Unsicher
(uncertain/insecure)

Luftschloss
(dreamer/castles in the air)

Butter bei die Fiche
(getting to the point/cutting to the chase)

++++++++++++

I first met Werner in 1992 in Mountain View, California.
But it could have been any time, any place. Werner is truly one of
the Immortals because he’s one of those people who prove the old
saying that nobody is truly gone until they’re forgotten by
everyone alive…now or in the future.

Before a person is born, they’ve had no impact on the
world. Once alive and kicking, they change the world for good or
ill, but usually for a bit of both. When they die, their influence
remains, continuing to shape current and future events, much like
a perpetual pinball in a pinball machine…and some, like Werner,
continue to also guide current and future events, much like a truly
professional butler…never seen but always there when needed.
Most people disappear from view within two generations.
Some, like Einstein, Lao Tzu, and Socrates, are never forgotten.
Werner influenced many thousands of lives literally all over the
globe for eight decades, mostly for good and always
resoundingly…with a percussion that rings in one’s ears over time
and distance. The odds are greatly in Werner’s favor that he’ll be
a reference point for people many generations down the road.
So. Werner. I’ll be listening for you.
OBT, James

OBITUARY

Werner Friedrich Kozel

January 20, 1943 – February 25, 2025

Willow Glen Funeral Home

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