Josephine Marie “Josie” Kolodejchuk, 91, Dickinson, died Thursday, December 7, 2017 at St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson surrounded by her children. There was a private family service held for Josie with Deacon Bob Zent presiding at Ladbury Funeral Service. Interment took place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson.
Josie as she was called, was born to Joseph F. and Philomena (Faiman) Ficek on April 26, 1926, in New Hradec. She was the 2nd of 8 children that grew up on the family farm. Josie attended boarding school at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School. The family moved to another farm two miles east of Dickinson and she enjoyed many memories during this time in her life. Josie also attended Model High School.
On October 28, 1952 she married Ed Kolodejchuk. They resided in Dickinson their entire life. Josie held various jobs through the years but her time working at Stark County Social Services was her most memorable. She was honored to be included in their annual Christmas event for years after she retired.
Josie found comfort spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her memory was fantastic and she loved reminiscing about her life. Josie loved road trips with her children as it gave her time to share these memories. She had a love for singing and listening to music that continued throughout her life.
Josie is survived by her five children, Sandy (Dean) Badinger, Fargo, Janel (Greg) Forster, Connie Klein, Terri (Darin) Crosby, and Jeff (Kristi Schallmo), all of Dickinson; grandchildren Corey Heiser, Jason Badinger, Amy Guzman, Kara Tucker, Lindsay Seitz, Whitney Forster, Ben Klein, Justin Klein, Sarah Noll, Casey Crosby, Dusty Raasch, Brittani Hoff and Haley Schallmo; and 29 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her two sisters, Dorothy Bahley and Mary Kay Michels. Josie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; an infant son; brothers, Alfred, Wilfred and Richard; sisters, Martha Olheiser and Georgiann Wehri.
