John Summerwill Koza

John Summerwill Koza

Iowa City

John Summerwill Koza, 79, passed peacefully at Oaknoll Retirement Center on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

John was born on July 15, 1945, to Roy J. and Elizabeth S. Koza in Iowa City, Iowa. A proud City High graduate, he earned his degree at the University of Iowa while actively participating in his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. Following five years in Chicago at the Harris Bank, he returned to Iowa City to begin his long and rewarding career at Iowa State Bank. He retired in 2000 as Executive Vice President of MidWestOne having served 23 years at the bank which he loved. He served on the Board of Directors for 29 years. John was a people person who loved the bank employees, his community of customers, and working in Downtown Iowa City.

John and Patricia (Trish) Cross, also a native Iowa Citian, were married on October 27, 1973. Together, they raised their two children, Joshua and Christina, whom they loved and supported fiercely. As an Iowa City Kickers elementary soccer coach, John’s lack of soccer acumen was more than counterweighted by his love of working with kids and helping them succeed. John loved his children’s friends, and often found himself wrapped up in their antics.

As a proud supporter of all things Iowa City and the University of Iowa, John served on many advisory boards: University of Iowa Libraries, Systems Unlimited, the Iowa City Public Library Foundation, and the Iowa City School District Foundation. He was active in establishing the Iowa City Morning Rotary Club. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed a lifetime of membership at the Iowa City Elks Club and he maintained a membership in the Masonic Lodge. Together, John and Trish appreciated the rich cultural opportunities in Iowa City and proudly supported Hancher Auditorium, The Stanley Museum, The Englert, Riverside Theatre, and Film Scene.

John was especially devoted to Junior Achievement. After 22 years of dedicated volunteer teaching at Northwest Junior High, he was awarded the Junior Achievement Classroom Volunteer Award. In 2001, he was named National Middle Grade Classroom Volunteer of the Year. John’s time spent inside the classroom was incredibly dear to his heart.

John’s laugh was hearty and legendary, and never more in evidence than when he donned the costume that transformed him into his holiday alter ego. Countless adults have vivid memories of their childhood visits from him – especially two little children visiting from Switzerland, who he absolutely amazed by speaking to them in French.

It is impossible to remember John without acknowledging one of his greatest passions, his love of all things Elvis Presley. This love took him and his partners, John Balmer and Bob Sierk, on regular pilgrimages to Elvis Week in Memphis “researching” the life of Elvis Presley, where the three friends most certainly found the adventures they were looking for.

John is survived by his wife, Trish, his son, Joshua Koza (Sarah DeJong), grandchildren Abigail and Jacob, and daughter Christina Koza. As an only child, John’s cousins became his siblings, and he is survived by Ann Swaney, Dick Summerwill, Ben Summerwill, Kristin Summerwill, and Suzanne Summerwill, as well as two special nephews, and a host of second and third cousins whom he cherished. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his very special sister/cousin, Nancy Welch.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at The Heights (Courtyard by Marriott).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions might be made to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (easterniowa.ja.org) or the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation (supportICPL.org.)

Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com.