Mary Jane Kostelny, of White Lake died Friday, February 8, 2019, at Evergreen Terrace under the care of her family and LeRoyer Hospice. She was 81 years old. She was born on December 28, 1937, in Elton, a daughter of the late Leonard and Vera (Murray) Nixon. She married Paul Kostelny on June 13, 1959, at St. James Catholic Church in White Lake. He preceded her in death on May 29, 2016.
She was a graduate of White Lake High School, class of 1955. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point graduating in 1959.
She taught English in Antigo and White Lake before joining her husband dairy farming in the town of Evergreen.
Mary was a member of St. James and Stanislaus Parish, the Christian Mothers, the Wolf River Women's Book Club and the Wolf River Ski Bells. For 17 years she was the activity director for the Evergreen 4-H Club and also taught religious education for 27 years at St. James Parish.
She enjoyed reading, walking, downhill and cross country skiing.
Mary and Paul traveled extensively having been to Hungary, Alaska, Ireland and through the United States. They also enjoyed many winters in Florida.
Survivors include six children, Andy Kostelny of White Lake, Len Kostelny of Green Bay, Kay Kostelny of Appleton, Betty (Steve) Kestly of Hobart, John (Trisha) Kostelny of Appleton and Ruth (Marty) Sprangers of Sherwood; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Gertrude Spychalla of Antigo; and two brothers, Jerome "Nick" Nixon and James Nixon both of Elton.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Nixon; brother-in-law, Jim Spychalla; and sister-in-law, Gladys Nixon.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 12 noon at St. James Catholic Church, White Lake with Reverend Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place in the town of Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home and on Wednesday at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of services. A parish wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
The Kostelny children would like to send a special thank you to Sarah and Gary Voytovich and the entire Evergreen Terrance staff for giving our Mom and us such a beautiful home these past five years. We have all felt their blessings many times over and cannot thank them enough for their daily ability to give our Mom such care, compassion, human touch, genuine kindness, and love. We will be forever grateful. We would also like to thank Dr. Flowers for continuing to provide medical care and support for our Mom while doing onsite visits at Evergreen. Lastly, we would like to thank the team from LeRoyer Hospice for all their help, care and thoughtfulness right through the final moments of our Mom's life.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
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White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
3 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
Mary was invaluable to my mother as I am sure she was to all of you. I'm blessed to have known her. She was my Godmother too.
Our sympathy to all the Kostelny children. Thinking of you..........
Peggy (Schroepfer) Quinn
So very sorry for the loss of your mom. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love Renee Roberts
We have many wonderful memories of Mary. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Love Ruth & Jim Roberts
I have such fond memories of Mrs. Kostelny and the work she did with the Evergreen 4-H Club. She had passion in all she did. Prayers and comfort to her family.
My condolences to the Kostelny family. Mary and Paul raised 6 wonderful children. May God comfort you.
Sorry for your loss,neighbors for along time