Matthew Kositzke, NAU-Yuma graduate student

Matthew “Matt” Kositzke, a graduate student at NAU-Yuma, died Oct. 5, 2008. He was 23.

Mr. Kositzke earned a bachelor’s degree from NAU-Yuma in 2007. He was scheduled to complete his master’s degree in elementary education from NAU-Yuma this spring. He was teaching at Orange Grove Elementary School in Somerton.

Born Sept. 18, 1985, in Milwaukee, Mr. Kositzke moved to Yuma with his family in 1999 and graduated from Cibola High School.

Mr. Kositzke is survived by his parents, Michael and Carrie Kositzke of Yuma; grandfather, Alvin Rahn of Yuma; grandparents, James and Muriel Kositzke; aunt, Julie (Mark) Stevens; and cousins, Sarah and Ben Stevens. He was preceded in death by grandmother, Shirley Rahn.

A memorial service was held for Mr. Kositzke on Oct. 11. The family is requesting donations to the Calvary Lutheran Church Building Fund at 711 S. Seventh Ave. in Yuma or to
Cibola High School Athletics at 4100 W. 20th St., Yuma AZ 85364.