In loving memory of former ASM client, healthy lifestyle practitioner, athlete and local caring Dad, Joseph Michael Kozusko

 https://everloved.com/life-of/joseph-kozusko/obituary/

Click here for the Obituary Link

Holding On, Letting Go - A Conversation with Joseph 

and Laura Lee Kozusko click here to listen to the podcast
In this intimate episode of Affairs of the Heart, Amber and Maria sit down with Joseph and his wife Laura Lee as they share the raw, beautiful truths of living through the final days of life. With grace, love, and surprising moments of lightness, they talk about what really matters, what they're learning in letting go, and how love endures-even in the goodbye

Joseph's obituary

Joseph Michael Kozusko was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 26th, 1973. He was relocated to Dallas, Texas 3 days later, and was raised there through high school.

He was born to Patricia Schwettman and Thomas Kozusko and brought up alongside his siblings, Mary Catherine Kozusko and Jim Kozusko.

Joseph and Laura Lee (Carter) married in Hawaii in 2002 and then made their home in Austin, Texas.

They had 2 children, Elle Foster Kozusko in 2006, followed by Isla Mercer Kozusko in 2008.

He is survived by his mother, sister, wife, and both children.

Joseph, an educator and executive, was a thought leader providing innovation and growth for educational institutions, venture growth, and always had a heart for advancing others’ potential.

He was the epitome of health his entire life. From his football days, being vegetarian for 22 years, to running & cycling for countless miles every day of his life. Not only did he look after himself as a high-performing athlete, but he was an amazing father to Elle & Isla, a caring husband to Laura Lee, and has always been known to take care of those around him. And always sought to make the world a better place through his work.

An avid outdoorsman and athlete, Joseph was known for his love of running, swimming, and cycling. He completed over 75 marathons…but who’s counting?

As a young boy, anywhere outside was Joseph’s playground! Nature soothed his spirit from early on. He was often found in a creek where he caught and played with buckets full of turtles, frogs, and minnows. At the end of the day, he would always set them all free again and dash home.

A bright mind from early on, Joseph attended The University of Texas, 1991-1996 for a BS in Biology, then on to his next undergraduate degree at Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX for his Master of Education and Minor in Physical Education. Next came Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for a PhD in Human Physiology and Biochemistry, 2001. He earned an award for “Excellence in Research by a Doctoral Student” and “Most Outstanding Dissertation of 2001” for his work “Heat, Stress and Hydration in Protective Clothing”. He earned his MBA at The Acton School of Business.

Joseph taught at the University of Alabama and as a professor at Queens College in New York and City University of New York. Joseph worked with Nike for his dissertation, leading to his working with Nike as a model for the New York Marathon.

Joseph’s business acumen is evident by his positions as Head of Academic Partnerships for SchoolAdmin, Co-founder and CEO of College Portfolio. Co-founder of Skills Fund, Senior VP of Business Development at Ascent Funding, Senior Advisor and COO to the Workforce Talent Educators Association. Co-founder and board member of the Council of Integrity in Results Reporting, and currently was CFO, COO, and CAO at the University of Health and Performance. He and Laura Lee also worked tirelessly for their success in local Austin businesses; they owned and operated Reform Pilates and The Bar Method.

If asked to describe Joseph, a close friend and mentor said, “He had the heart of a lion and the soul of a puppy dog; a true loving father, husband, and friend.”

8 months ago, Joseph was diagnosed with Stage 4 muscular sarcoma/bone cancer.

A fighter to the finish line, having conquered the challenges that come with a leg and hip amputation, Joseph courageously fought the fight.

When the day comes that you find yourself needing encouragement and motivation to press on, just remember Joseph’s comments on his caring bridge blog, in his final weeks when he told all of us to:

“Be sure to track down that someone you owe a text or call and make it happen."

"Hug someone close."

"Keep showing up. Solve problems. Find your people."

"Please, please spend time with your loved ones. It matters more than you know."

Joseph’s unwavering faith gave him peace in choosing Heaven as his eternal home. He left this world confident that his legacy, rooted in contagious joy, relentless humor, and tireless encouragement, would live on in the hearts of his family and countless friends. Though we will remember his sharp mind and entrepreneurial spirit, it was his daily, deliberate choice to uplift others that defined him most. He inspired everyone he met with the simple but powerful reminder: Never give up—just keep going. And true to his word, he did.

A funeral service will be held on 7/17/25 at 2pm at Good Shepherd Church, Parish Life Centre, 3201 Windsor RoadAustin, TX, 78703, United States

Donations may be made to support his children on his GoFundMe at the QR code below:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/su…

Or at https://www.limbsforlife.org/… in his memory.

Monday, 7 July 2025

Hi everyone, from Laura Lee Kozusko. Joe's wife. 

It’s been a whirlwind around here right?! The girls and I are grieving our own loss , but we are also with all of our community grieving the loss of little girls from our neighborhood and other cities. Joseph transitioned a few hours before the floods came through. He is and was the ABSOLUTE best “girl dad”. We know he is taking care of those precious girls now. He is an amazing story teller. We are sure he’s making them laugh like he made so many of us constantly! To the families, friends, and loved ones, your babies are not alone.

Joseph’s celebration of life will be July 17th at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, reception at Westwood Country Club to follow.

Thank you friends,

Peace and love

Laura Lee, Elle, and Isla