Joann P. Kostal

JoAnn Pearl Kostal, 83, of Odell, NE died February 5, 2017. She was born September 1, 1933 near Steele City, NE to Earl and Mathilda (Hilda Graff) Weaver. JoAnn was baptized and confirmed at the Steele City United Presbyterian Church. She was raised and spent her childhood in Steele City where she attended elementary school. Many of her childhood memories involved her family, including her brother Jerry, and close friends playing in Steele City. JoAnn graduated high school on May 18th, 1951. Her high school diploma stated her intended occupation was to be a housewife.

JoAnn P. met Ronald J. Kostal at a dance at Sokol Hall in Wilber, Nebraska in 1951. JoAnn had a favorite story of their courtship. Everytime Ron took her on a date, she would put a nickel in a jar in the glove box of his car. She later used these nickels to buy Ron’s wedding ring. JoAnn and Ron were married January 1, 1952 in the Presbyterian Church in Steele City, NE. To this union three sons were born, Dennis Robert, Donald Leon and Douglas Earl. They lived southwest of Odell until 1982 when they moved east of Odell. JoAnn and Ron farmed and raised cattle their entire life.

JoAnn’s life revolved around taking care of her family. A great deal of this time was spent cooking, baking and preparing meals for her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. JoAnn prepared meals and hand delivered them daily to whoever may be working on the farms or with cattle. She was known for her homemade kolaches, rolls, and breadsticks to name a few. JoAnn loved being on the farm and working alongside her husband and family. She spent spare time working for Odell Public Schools as a bus driver, the Tiger’s Den, and as a writer/photographer for the Odell Oracle, a section in the Wymore Arbor State. Other hobbies included sewing, cross stitching, embroidering quilt blocks for her great grandchildren and playing cards. She enjoyed raising and collecting chickens. Most of all she loved holding and playing with her grandkids and great grandkids.

JoAnn and Ron enjoyed taking trips to Missouri to spend time with grandson Josh, to Valentine to visit her brother and his family, and attending all of her grandkids and great grandkids sporting events and school activities. She was an avid sports fan but especially enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals. She also enjoyed listening to polka music with Ron. JoAnn spent her days next to the love of her life and also her sons working on the farm. She always said she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

JoAnn was the most selfless mother and grandmother that God could create. She would do anything to help whenever she could. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sons: Dennis (Eileen) Kostal , Donald (Terri) Kostal, and Douglas (LaRae) Kostal. Grandchildren: Andrea (Jeff) Humphreys, Alissa (Damian) Andersen, Brent (Abigail) Kostal Derek (Morgan) Kostal, Travis Kostal, Brandon Kostal, and Joshua Kostal. Great-Grandchildren: Ashtyn, Braeden and Peyton Humphreys, Dalton, Devin, and Deagan Andersen, Preston, Austin and Carson Kostal, Easton and Adalynne Kostal. Sisters-in-law: Mary Kostal, Barbara Kostal and Shirley Kostal Many nieces, nephews, family and friends Preceded in death: Husband Ronald J. Kostal (2015) Parents: Earl and Matilda Weaver Brother and sister in law: Jerry and Bonnie Weaver Brothers-in-law: Frank W. Kostal and Allen “Red” Kostal Granddaughter: Amanda Kay Kostal

Services will be Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church at Odell, NE with Pastor Curt Magelky officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Odell on Tuesday from 5 – 9 p.m., and Wednesday from 1-9 p.m. with family there from 6 – 8 p.m. Burial in the Odell Czech Cemetery. Memorials to the Odell Fire Dept. and Family’s choice. Vance-Gerdes Funeral Home in Odell is in charge of arrangements.