As of August 1st, U-Save Pharmacy in Auburn has a new owner. Cody Kuszak of Nebraska City purchased the business from Gary and Karen Kamtz, rural Peru.

Kuszak is a native of Ashton, Nebraska, a community with a population of about 200 which is located north of Grand Island. Cody graduated from Wayne State College and played golf for the Wildcats for two years.  He graduated from Creighton University’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in May of 2008. Kuszak worked for U-Save Pharmacy while a student for three years and for the past four-plus years since becoming a pharmacist with U-Save Pharmacies in Nebraska City and Auburn.  
In July of 2011, Cody was married to Erin, who is a second grade teacher at Northside School in Nebraska City. They currently reside in Nebraska City.
Also effective Aug. 1, U-Save Pharmacy officially took possession of the prescription files from Allison Pharmacy as Joe Allison retired at the end of last month after serving the community of Auburn for 44 years.
When asked what prompted him to look into becoming the owner and pharmacist in charge of U-Save Pharmacy here, Kuszak said his parents currently own a photography business in Ashton and he decided he also wanted to own his business. Daryl and Mitzi Kuszak, his parents, farmed before opening a Kuszak Photography studio.
Cody plans to maintain most of the existing services, while also expanding into nursing home and assisted living areas. The pharmacy has diabetes supplies and will continue to offer free in-town delivery and same day mail out services. The business also offers some immunizations.
Kuszak said current employees Sue Kralik and Sally Bantz will remain on his staff. Plus, he is bringing on board Kristy Garver, who worked some 15 years with Allison Pharmacy.
Kamtzs Stepping Down
Gary and Karen Kamtz said the timing seemed right for selling the business which they had run for the past six years. Gary commented, “Things worked well for me to go into a ‘semi retirement’ at this time. With Joe Allison’s retirement, Cody’s wanting to own his own pharmacy and our wish to not be so busy, the timing worked out really well for us.”
He added, “We don’t want to be tied down as much. There are things we want to do still, plus our grandkids are getting active in school and activities. When an opportunity like this arises, you better take advantage of it.”
The Kamtzs said, “The folks around here have been great. They are very nice people and we’ve enjoyed getting to know them better and serving them. We believe we have made some good friends in the course of running our business. We’ve worked and lived in other locations, but we really like the small-town atmosphere.”
The Kamtzs reside northwest of Peru in Otoe County and intend to remain living there. Regarding the future, they plan to see what employment opportunities may arise.
“We will miss all of the people who we now normally see. We will miss the daily contact,” both agreed.
They also mentioned that they will miss working with their loyal staff, who are remaining with the new owner.
Karen, who is a certified pharmacy technician, expects a portion of her free time to be spent with their six grandchildren who live in Omaha. Also, they have two children with approaching weddings. Daughter Alison is going to marry in September with the ceremony taking place at her sister’s residence in Gretna. Son Zachary will be married in May of 2013. They also have a daughter Jennifer who is a reigning Mrs. Nebraska Hart, who was Mrs. Nebraska 2009. She is currently a co-director for the Mrs. Nebraska Pageant and will be attending the Mrs. America Pageant in Tucson, Arizona, at the end of August.
Gary enjoys hunting and fishing, and recently bought a boat which he expects to have more time to use.