Obituary of Raymond Kostal

Raymond "Ray" Kostal, 86 years of Tabor passed away Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, SD with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, Tabor. Visitations will be from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Tabor with a 7 PM wake service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Ray was born to Frank and Marie (Bystricky) Kostal on September 29, 1927. He graduated from Tyndall High School. He served in the 16th Signal Battalion of the US Army in Korea where he was awarded two bronze service stars and a United Nations Service medal. He married Marlene Benes on June 22, 1953. Together they raised 3 children. He farmed near Tabor and Tyndall, SD until his retirement in 1992, though he continued his interest and participation in the family farm as long as his health permitted. Ray enjoyed playing the trumpet and was involved with several local bands. He was proud of his Czech heritage. He was a member of St Wenceslaus Catholic Parish, Tabor SD. He was a member of the American Legion and served as a commander of the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post in Tabor. He played Taps for military funerals for more than 50 years. Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marlene (Benes) Kostal, daughter, Kay (Jim) Fillaus of Lesterville, SD, son, Jerry (Elaine) Kostal of Tyndall, SD, daughter, Ann (Todd) Church of Grants, NM; sister, Florence Sutera of Tyndall, SD, and grandchildren: Jennifer Fillaus, Angie (Kostal) Porter and husband Zach, Jill (Fillaus) Hohn and husband Jared, Michael Kostal and wife Erica, James Fillaus and wife Heather, Matthew Kostal and wife Casey, John Church, and David Church. He also leaves behind his seven great grandchildren: Ava and Adam Hohn, Max and Charlie Porter, Simon and Jude Fillaus, and Oliver Kostal. He was grateful for the close relationship he had with his six nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie (Bystricky) Kostal. Ray's family wishes to thank the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital for the compassionate care he received. They also want to acknowledge the love, care and support of Ray's neighbors over the years. God bless you all. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.