Donald J. “Don” Kostelecky, 79, Dickinson, died Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at his home with his family at his side. Don’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will follow the Mass, provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.

Don was born in his parental home in south Dickinson on October 8, 1935. He attended St. Patrick’s School, Dickinson Central High School, and Dickinson State University. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Education, Science, and Physical Education. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in Business Education from the University of North Dakota. Don always was proud of being one of the last remaining “young savages” at DSU, where he played football, tennis under Harry Weinbergen, and wrestled. His college years were interrupted when he joined the Navy during the Korean Conflict to serve aboard the Yorktown II as a navy corpsman in the dental division. He served his country with great pride. Upon his return to Dickinson, he was employed as a pool manager and lifeguard and was awarded a Certificate of Distinction from President Eisenhower for saving a young man’s life from drowning.

Don’s teaching career consisted of five years at Golva High School, three years at Elgin High School, and one year at UND – Ellendale branch. He had great respect for the young men and women whose lives he touched while teaching and coaching. After leaving his teaching career, he held the position as a loan officer/VP at Liberty National Bank for 15 years, following in his father’s footsteps. He then joined the Stark County Sheriff’s Department where he was a deputy for 17 years before retiring. Dickinson was truly his home; he was born here and returned here.

Don sang in the Handel’s Messiah for 47 years, as he began as a youngster. He also belonged to the Badlands Barbershop Chorus for 6 years. Don was a Lions member since 1967, joining as a young teacher in Elgin. He was a past Deputy District Governor in 1983, and served as the convention Chairman in 1986. Don was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, joining in the early 1960’s and later becoming a Fourth Degree Knight. He also had been an Elk member for 55 years. Don served on many boards throughout his lifetime: St. Wenceslaus Financial, Red Cross (5 years), Roughrider Commission and served as President for 2 years, Dickinson Military Board (4 years), DSU Alumni Board with several terms as President. Don was very proud to be a member of St. Wenceslaus serving in many capacities; greeter, usher, and chorus member. Don loved to spend time in his woodworking shop, doing yard work, and camping. He was an prolific reader, Vikings, and Twins fan. It was Don’s wish for the Vikings to be his honorary pallbearers, so they could let him down one last time.

Don married his one true love, Lucy Ulrich, of Underwood, on July 23, 1960. They would have been married 55 years this year. To their union six children were born: Shannon (Randall) Bren, Rapid City, S.D.; Michael Kostelecky (Cary Schladetzky), Seattle, Wash.; Deborah (Steve) Lervik, Dickinson; Kenny (Cheryl) Kostelecky, Dickinson; Catherine (Ron) Eberhardt, Fargo; and Deidra (Dean) Moilanen, Fargo. Don will miss watching his 13 grandkids achieve their lifetime goals. He is survived also by his sisters: Jolyn McCue, St. Paul, Minn.; Judy (Terry) Hager, Grand Forks; Geri (James Calkin) Glazer, Louisville, Colo.; and sister and brother-in-law (best traveling companions ever) : Vicky and Arnie Stumvoll, Glasgow, Mont.; brother and sister-in-law; Alfred and Barb Ulrich, Salinas, Calif., and many cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Don passed away at his home with his loving wife and children by his side. He was comforted during this difficult battle with Cancer under the gentle, generous, and truly unconditional love of Lucy. Don was able to remain in his home for the duration of this battle, a wish he expressed from the very beginning. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe W. and Agnes (Lisko) Kostelecky, his sister Margaret Ann and brother Gerald, his brother-in-law Dennis McCue, and one granddaughter Christina Kostelecky.

Among those he wanted to give a special thanks to include; Dr. Olin and his nurse Deb, Hospice staff Wendy and Tanessa, Msgr. Schumacher and Sarah of St. Wenceslaus, Father Lucht of Queen of Peace, and all those who came to share their love during this difficult time…especially his coffee buddies.

This quiet, gentle, and humble man leaves a hole in the hearts of those he left behind.