Obituary of John Stanley KOSTAL

John Stanley Kostal of Limerick, SK, passed away on August 23, 2012, at the age of 91 years. John was born on October 13, 1920 on NW 27-07-03 W3rd in the Limerick district, to Steve Sr. and Maria (nee Ruzicka) Kostal. John attended Milton School. Upon completing his education he remained at home to farm with his parents. John was a lifetime farmer in the Limerick district and actively lived with Mary on the family farm until the age of 88; as a matter of fact he still ran the combine during harvest at the age of 87. On November 15, 1943, John married Mary Ealey and they were blessed with 5 children, Elaine, Reta, Garth, Garvan and Coreen. His passion was his family, farming and livestock. John was a very devoted husband, and cared for Mary when she endured sickness the last five years of her life. John was a card shark at crib, bridge and whist, and loved playing the accordion in his younger years. In August 2009, John moved to Capilano Court in Moose Jaw, where he resided until August 2012, when he moved to the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg. John was a man of simple pleasures treasuring visits by family and neighbours and was always ready to offer a cup of tea or a helping hand. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his loving family, daughter Elaine (Don) Wessing; daughter Reta (Dale) Halvorsen; son Garvan (Louise) Kostal; daughter Coreen Kostal-Self; grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, and sister Millie Fraser. Predeceased by his wife Mary (nee Ealey, 1985); infant son Garth (1952); parents Steve (1948) and Maria (nee Ruzicka, (1957) Kostal; son-in-law Jim Self (2001); brothers Steve, Frank, Joe; sisters Annie, Helen, Tinnie and Mary. Funeral service was held on Saturday, August 25, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., from Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, SK, with Father Joy Montiague celebrant. Active pallbearers were Duane Halvorsen, Kevin Wessing, Larry Lethbridge, Darrell Winter, Clifford Kostal, Clayton Lethbridge and Herb McMillan. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Limerick, SK. Memorial tributes in memory of John to St. George Roman Catholic Church, Box 190, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0 and the Limerick 49ers Club, Limerick, SK S0H 2P0, were greatly appreciated.