These 2 gone way too soon!
Love y’all! 💙

Russ was my DBO at Aerotek and I am so shocked and saddened to hear about his passing. We lost touch years ago, but he will always have a lasting impression on me. My heartfelt condolences to Janet and his girls as well as his entire family and friends who will forever miss him.

Sending our deepest condolences to the Koziol family from the Limperis family.

I don’t remember much these days but I do remember this..

“Pork Chops And Applesauce… Ain’t That Swell”

RIP RUSS

Dave & Diane 
I was so sorry to hear of Russell’s  death .  I think of you often.  I can’t imagine what you’re going though. Again my heartfelt condolence's to you and your beautiful family.   Love, Carol Simoncelli 😢💙🙏

Highly recommend working at the same company as Russ and having the same last name. I saw first-hand how big time he was and have never been more proud to be a Koziol.🤍

Nothing but great memories of Russ during some of the absolute best times of our life!   All honor to his name.   Godspeed.   IHSV

Like everyone I would bet with certainty I feel blessed to have known Russ. Some people just 'got it'. Russ had 'it' in so many capacities. Sometimes you can't put a finger on it you just bow down and appreciate the presence. The greatness of genuine. I am lucky to have spent a good portion of my childhood with him. In these later years when we checked in it was always about our families and kids. This passing is touching and I will always pray for him and his family. See you on the other side brother.

I met Russ in 2003 when he hired me as a recruiter at Aerotek. I had no idea at the time just how much that decision—and Russ himself—would shape the rest of my career.

I was fortunate to join the office when we were still a relatively small operation, which gave me something I will always be grateful for: countless hours of one-on-one time with Russ. We spent hours doing role plays. He went on client meetings with me. He taught me how to recruit, how to sell, how to interact with clients, and how to carry myself in a room. For years afterward, whenever I walked into an important meeting, I found myself trying to replicate the way I had watched Russ do it.

Russ expected you to be good. He held people accountable and pushed you to get better, but he also believed in people. He believed in me. There were times when I got myself into a little hot water, and Russ always had my back.

When I look at the success I’ve been fortunate enough to have, including eventually becoming an owner of a staffing company myself, I know without question that I would not be where I am today without Russ. So much of what I know about this business, and how I try to lead and mentor others, came from him. More than 20 years later, I’m still doing things the way Russ taught me to do them.

But Russ wasn’t just a mentor. He was fun. I have great memories of Cancun, playing golf together, and seeing just how competitive he could be. I always loved being on Russ’s team.

I’m incredibly grateful our paths crossed in 2003. Russ made a lasting impact on my life, and I’ll carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of it.

My deepest condolences to his family and everyone who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Janet and family we are so incredibly sorry for your loss. You’re in our prayers during this difficult time.  Our hearts go out to you and your family.  Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. 

Words can’t express our sorrow.

Sending my deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Koziol family. I will never forget the time you all came to Bull Shoals to visit us. Such a fun time! All the Nays love you all! We're sending our love, hugs, and prayers to all of you. Love, Christy

We met for first time in a gas station on our way to Table Rock Lake for a golf weekend.  From that day on we were connected.  I love you my brother.  May you be in Gods grace for eternity.

Part #2 - I brought him to my Aunt’s farm to teach him how to ride a dirt bike, the old yellow Yamaha enduro.  He taught me golf, we’d sneak on Rob Roy golf course often and play a few holes before the ranger came over and kicked us off for not paying.  He even invited me to Rolling Green to caddy with him a few times.  Oh, and then there were the wiffle ball championships we won together.  We were a formidable duo that nobody wanted to play.  Russ would pitch and I’d play the field.  I’d hit the home runs while he was punching double and triples, we often to refer to him as Charlie hustle. He was the best and worst pitcher at the same time, because he had this knuckle curve pitch that he purposely wouldn’t throw over the plate.  The hitters had to constantly reach out to make contact if we wanted to get home before dinner.  Basketball, the sport we played most often – the hours we spent playing inside nerf ball, going to the YMCA or playing on the driveway were limitless.  It was fun watching Russ get really good at golf/basketball later in High School.  Russ, you were the brother I never had growing up.  I’m so honored to have shared those memories with you and while I never said this all those years ago, I love you like a brother.  May you rest in peace.

To the Koziol family – the Hersh family is so deeply saddened by this news.  The countless times I was at your house for sports, sleepovers, dinners and more, meant so much.  Russ and I had such a special relationship growing up.  Despite being 1 year older than him, he was at the epicenter and greatly defined my childhood.  We met on the football field our first year as part of the Wolverines in 1980 and became inseparable for many years to come.  Our 2nd football season, I became the QB while Russ was WR.  We created “the Koziol” special play.  He’d fake a down and out, followed by a fake down and in and then went long.  At 9/10 years old there was simply no time for that play to develop.  We must have called that play without the coach knowing once a game.  It never worked but for those few seconds we thought it would, were priceless. Then comes the final game of our dreadful season.  I remember in the huddle asking him to do one fake and go long and wouldn’t you know, it worked!  When Russ mentions his childhood in his farewell video, for those that didn’t know him until later in life, I’d like to share a few details.  I’m going to be honest, we terrorized the neighborhood.  We took ding-dong-ditch (ringing doorbells and then running away) to a whole new level…how about lighting a firecracker, ringing the doorbell and then running 😊.  We threw snowballs at cars, egged houses, pool hopped at night, had bottle rocket wars in the forest, window tapped houses (putting a fishing line through a nut, taping the nut to a window and stringing the fishing line across the street hiding in a bush only to pull gently on the line every 5 seconds so the nut would tap the window and drive the neighbors completely nuts only to come outside to see what the heck was going on) the list goes on and on.  The times at Sunnyhill beach, jumping off the huge J slide or playing tag under the platform.  To be continued....

.May  hisr memory  be everlasting. RUSS was such a super super good guy.  You will not be forgotten. AAA+neighbor plus my go to guy on sports.  This is so sad, but you're  in a place of peace and of no pain.
Jim & Vaso

Russ was such a bright light. Ia positive and energetic force. I went to college and worked with Russ for many years. 
We shared a love for sports and a passion of our careers and families.  
I’m deeply saddened of this news. 
I’m sure he’s golfing in heaven right now. 
My heart goes out to the entire family.  

Gregg Gosch.

My prayers go out to Janet and the entire Koziol family. Russ was one of the great ones so enjoyed the dinners and golf outings I got to enjoy with him . The trip he took me on to Augusta for the Masters will always be a great memory that I got to enjoy with a great man, he will be missed!

Wow. Have not seen Russ since back in the day. I was a good friend through 6th grade and played many football games in the yard. Russ was always a good friend and so sad to see a good soul leave us too soon. Rest in peace buddy.

Brother, You set the example for many people and were always there for anyone you could help, lift up and all the time remaining focused on what's really important in this life. I will always be available for your girls and Janet in any way I can help. You will never be forgotten. What you have done for me and my family over the years is priceless. Being your friend was a privilege and a blessing that can never be replaced.  Love you Pal. That's how we ended our conversations. I will stop here bud, there no more words worthy.  You are always in my heart Brother and I will continue to think about you often.  Those short words of wisdom that made me want to be a better man have been passed down to my Son. He'll never forget Uncle Rusty and the Chiefs experience. Always at your family's disposal for anything! Love you Girls and Your incredible Dad, my Hero too!-Kirk

So blessed to be able to play one of Russ’ s last rounds of golf with him in January. His family and friends meant so much to him and from the first time I met Russ I felt that I had someone to look up to in life. I will miss him every day.

My condolences to all family members.
Russ was the MVP in an all-star Sigma Chi chapter.
He roomed with my brother as well.
Was so kind to me when I was a pledge, incredible human.
All Honor to His Name
In Hoc
David Brault

Russ…one of a kind.  There are a handful of people I can name and this list is extremely short that can brighten the room and make your day better every time you see them.  Russ was and always will be the best.   Rest in peace my friend.  You will be missed and cannot be replaced.

1 quick heads up to all Russ’s family and friends. If you watch his video? I will help you out. It does not matter who you are? Make sure you have a huge box of Kleenex next to you!!!!
RIP Russ you defiantly are seated next to our lord. 
Russ you are a great man. Its been an honor and pleasure to know you!!!!

I am so sorry for your loss.  Watching his video was incredible.  What a childhood we all had on that corner.  Best years of my life.  Russ will be remembered fondly.  The smile, the Koziol smile and dimples-gotta love that!  Russ mentioned the walks with his wife, Mr and Mrs Koz would take walks every night. 
Your family will always hold a huge place in my heart and I am so grateful for all the years on the corner.  With love and sympathy,  Erin Murphy Beck

To Koziol family
Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Russel. 
What a  man of strength and faith. 
Remembering what a cute kid full of energy. 
and our family times together, progressive dinners, sports banquets , vacations and just playing together. 
Wish I could be there to give you each a hug. 
I will keep you all in my prayers that our Lord will comfort you and give you peace   
His life gave glory and honor to our Lord. He ran the race and finished well. 
Love & Prayers
The Zender Family
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Being the youngest in a sports family can be difficult. It takes years to get playing time on the side yard. I remember when Jeff started out growing the side yard? LOL we needed a replacement. We brought in Russ and instantly he could hit a ball to the Colonels yard. He might of hit the “Rock Of Zanzibar”  a few times. He was a great replacement and always there. I feel he lived his life with that same grace….. Always there for others. Russ you will be missed!!!
Thoughts and Prayers to the entire Koziol family members…🙏🙏🙏🥲🥲🥲RIP RUSS

Russ my Brother!  Your impact on so many of us is as eternal as our Lord’s love!  So proud to have had you as a friend and mentor!  Rest in the peace of God’s eternal care knowing you are loved and missed!

One of many great moments with a dear friend. You will be missed brother.

To my Big Brother in Sigma Chi. Fellow cancer patient. You were a leader of men Russ. Memory Eternal Brother
In Hoc,
Craig Vercelote

OBITUARY

Russell George Koziol

November 13, 1971 – August 12, 2026

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