Patrick Andrew Wozniak, 73, passed away July 24, 2017 at his home. He was born December 20, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA to Margaret Patricia (Quigley) and Andrew Thaddeus Wozniak. He is survived by his wife, Ianthe (Percy) of the home outside of Lawrence, KS; children Jami (Ron) VanHercke; Blake, Abby, and Maggie of Olathe, KS; Andy; Minka, Ezra and Finian of Overbrook, KS; Brian (Candi); Lucas and Brent of Olathe, KS. He has 2 sisters; Colleen Wozniak and Kim Rexrode of Erie, PA and Niece Kelly and nephew Clark Rexrode.
Pat was always involved in sports from Little League baseball to high school football, basketball, track and golf. He attended Highland Junior College in Highland, Kansas on a basketball and football scholarship. That’s where he met his wife of almost 50 years. He attended K-State in Manhattan, KS, and transferred to Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, MO where he completed his degree. He lettered in 4 sports while in college. He was inducted into the Highland Community College Hall of Fame in July, 2017.
He coached high school football for 38 years in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas and won 2 state championships in his career. He was “Coach Woz” to hundreds of young people. He had a lifelong commitment to mentor and prepare students and athletes to be successful beyond high school. His coaching duties also included boys and girls basketball, track, and golf. He also loved to golf and fish.
His pride and joy were his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved to hear from friends, family and his former players.
A Memorial service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31st. Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Highland Community College, Highland KS Athletic Department in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Mr. Wozniak was a man of indomitable nature, and a true leader who taught me how to buckle down and drive. His teachings helped prepare me for a life that I had to face head on, with honor. Thank you, coach, for all the seeds I would need to grow into a tall and strong Oak, just like you.
Regards,
Steven Hammond
Sorry to hear of the passing of the greatest football Coach and motivator in my high school career. Coach Woz RIP, the football gods just gained an amazing man! From the McLester Family
My condolences to the Wozniak family. Pat was a friend from our Moon High School days playing basketball together on the summer playgrounds and was someone I always looked up to for his awesome personality. Rest In Peace Pat ! Wiley Jim
Colleen, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and the family are in my thoughts and may you draw strength from one another during this time.
Love you always brother Pat. You were a champion and a great family man. You were always my hero and I looked up to. Love, Colleen
Thinking of you, Ianthe. Just got back from vacation and looked at this to see that I am missing his service but I will call to check on you later.
Brian:
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your Father.
You always spoke of your father very fondly and with the utmost respect. I never met your father but I know he was a good man … for he raised a son who is a good man. If you need someone to talk to please give me a call. I do not want to bother you today, but please know that I am thinking of you!
Respectfully,
Rick Doak
PAT AND FAMILY
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
YOUR FRIENDS AT HEETCO
Missing the force of nature that was my brother Pat. What a people person he was! It has been wonderful to see how many lives he positively affected over the years. It was!a great send off for a great man. Love you always Pat. Now rest….
❤ Kim
Wozniak Family- I am so sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences to you all
Ianthe thinking of you at this difficult time. Pat always a gentlemen, always a nice person, great athlete. David Thornton
Love Woz we had lots of great times playing football together plus taking Woz to our farm
The world lost one of its greatest! Rest peacefully Pat.
We will miss Woz. Always enjoyed talking football with him. He would call and I would answer Woz up!
Great man and mentor. We’ll miss coach Woz. Prayers to the family from all of us former Westfield Mustangs in Spring, TX.
Love you always brother. Xxoo
We are so sorry for your loss. Our love is with all of you. ❤️
Kelli, Brian and Blythe
Dear Ianthe & family, Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
We send our love to all the family