Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a tornado that hit Indiana. They were an elderly couple in their late 80s, remembered fondly by their family as “a tough old man and a kind old lady.”
Ed Kozlowski, 89, and his wife Arlene, 86, died late Tuesday when a tornado devastated their home in Lake Village, a small community in northwestern Indiana, according to officials and family members.
“They were really wonderful people,” son-in-law Steve Lehfeldt shared. The couple had four children and seven grandchildren.
“You know, a tough old man and a kind old woman.”
It seems they succumbed to blunt force trauma as their house was obliterated, with autopsies planned for Friday.
Meanwhile, their family was getting ready for Ed’s upcoming 90th birthday celebration at the house, which was now reduced to rubble.
“They lived a good life,” Lehfeldt remarked, expressing hope that their passing was quick.
Lake Village, situated about 90 miles south of Chicago, suffered significant damage during the severe storms on Monday, which resulted in at least four tornadoes picking up in Illinois and northwestern Indiana.
Officials confirmed that over 100 structures in Lake Village were affected, with more than 30 completely destroyed.
Stephen Travis, a resident of Lake Village, described his experience during the tornado. He sought shelter in a closet as the tornado tore through the area.
“I was watching from my front window when I saw a trash can soar into the air. That’s when I knew I needed to take cover,” he recalled. “I went to my bedroom, and suddenly the roof was gone, and the ceiling collapsed, forcing me down and into the closet.”
“When we finally got outside, debris was scattered everywhere. The place was totally wrecked.”
