Benedict J. “Ben” Kostelecky, 63, South Heart, ND, died Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at his home with family at his side. Ben’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2007 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart with Fr. Shannon Lucht as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors provided by the Veterans Drill Team. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a Knights of Columbus rosary and vigil at 7:30 p.m..
Benedict James Kostelecky was born September 9, 1943 in Dickinson the son of Isadore and Agnes (Kostelecky) Kostelecky. He was raised on the family farm and educated in South Heart, graduating from South Heart High School. He attended UND in Grand Forks, ND, NDSU in Fargo, ND, and DSU in Dickinson where he received a degree in Accounting and Business Administration.
Ben served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War from July 7, 1966 to his honorable discharge on May 28, 1969. He attended OCS and served as a 1st Lieutenant with an engineer battalion. Upon his discharge he returned to the South Heart area.
Ben married Deborah Dorval on September 2, 1972 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart. They purchased a farm which they farmed until retiring in the late 1990’s. This brought on a 2nd career for Ben as a welder. He continued working until health reasons forced him to stop two months ago.
Ben enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends, working on his families genealogy, designing and building projects of all kinds, which he became very good at. He loved his work, the land and especially cherished his family and the time spent with them. He served on the Soil Conservation Board and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
By example Ben showed us the true meaning of the words strength, dignity and courage. “You are our hero”.
Ben is survived by his wife Deb; their three children, Dave (Penny) Kostelecky, Dickinson, James Kostelecky, Fargo, ND, and Danielle Kostelecky, Fargo, ND; two brothers, Arthur (Gladys) Kostelecky, Dickinson, and Larry (Karen) Kostelecky, Dickinson; three grandchildren, Kaleb, Matthew and Mersaydee Kostelecky. He was preceded in death by his parents.
