Joseph Francis Kostechka, 49, a beautiful, kind, gentle soul, left his world on Feb. 1, 2017, and joyfully felt the embrace of Jesus, his dad and many other loved ones as he entered the gates of heaven.
Knowing Joe, we are sure they are still hugging. Joe, you are finally home.
Joe was born on Feb. 13, 1967, in Two Rivers, the youngest son of Leo and Margie (Kronforst) Kostechka. He was loved and cherished the minute he was born. Joe attended Riverview School from ages 3 to 21 and was blessed to be influenced there by many wonderful teachers and mentors.
Joe was a hard worker, and held jobs throughout his life including at Krause’s Grocery Store, Joy’s Family Restaurant, Manitowoc Recycling Center and Holiday House. His family is grateful for the many coworkers and bosses who took Joe under their wings and gave him the opportunity to do the jobs he loved. He took his work very seriously and was so proud to go to work every day.
Other than his family and friends, sports brought Joe his greatest joy. He was a huge fan of the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and the Bucks. He participated in Special Olympics for more than 40 years and was awarded countless medals for his success in swimming, bowling, track, basketball, softball and cross-country skiing. Joe was the manager of the Mishicot boys football and basketball teams for many years. He loved being one of the guys and was filled with pride when he was honored for his many years of service to the team. In 2008, Joe was inducted into the Lakeshore Area All-Sports Hall of Fame for his many years of participation in Special Olympics and his volunteer work as manager, scoreboard operator and general cheerleader in all things Mishicot athletics.
In Joe’s free time, he could be found volunteering at the Mishicot Senior Center, riding his bike around Mishicot and visiting friends. Everyone knew and loved Joe, and his passing will leave a big void in the Mishicot community. Most recently, Joe lived at East Cedar TLC in Manitowoc where he enjoyed new friends and excursions at Pathways. The family would like to thank the staff at TLC for their commitment to Joe’s care.
He is survived by his mother, Margie, who was the love of his life. He leaves behind his beloved brothers and sisters Greg (Patty) Kostechka, Steve (Ginny) Kostechka, Marsha (Larry) Herman and Jean (Rob) Yakoubek; his nieces and nephews Carrie McGoldrick, Caleb (Codie) Kostechka, Casey (Amanda) Kostechka, Claire (Cody) Kostechka Moriearty, Katie Kostechka, Claire (Matt) Scroggins, Tim Herman and Ryne and Cal Yakoubek; and his great nieces and nephews Tristan, Harper and Trey McGoldrick and Nico and Mabel Kostechka.
Joe is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and way too many friends to even begin to mention. Joe loved everyone, and people couldn’t help but love him back. The family would especially like to acknowledge his best friends, Al Kliment, Travis Boettcher and Paul Haen and thank them for their good and loyal friendship to Joe.
The family would like to thank Lisa Steinhauer and the staff at Aurora BayCare and Aurora Hospice in Green Bay for the kind and compassionate care they gave to Joe.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot with the Rev. John Becker officiating with entombment to follow in the Knollwood Mausoleum on Highway 310 in Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home, 344 South State St., Mishicot. Visitation will continue Saturday after 9 a.m. at the church until the time of service at 11 a.m.
A memorial fund has been established in Joe’s name for the Manitowoc County Special Olympics.
In his memory, the family asks that people take some time each day to share a smile, tell a joke, hum a happy song or embrace someone in a long-lasting hug. Do what you can to make the world a better place. It’s what Joe would do.
