James W. Kostka

James W. Kostka, Sr., 81, of Rockford, died at 11:36 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2008 in his home. Born on August 14, 1926, in Rockford, the son of Walter and Dorothy Kostka. James married Donna J. Bolen in Rockford on July 3, 1947. He was a firefighter for the City of Rockford and was also self-employed as a carpenter and glazer. He retired from the fire department in 1985. James was in the U.S. Army during WWII serving as a Private First Class and a military policeman. He was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church and of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, Tim (Deb) of Carrollton, TX, Tom (Chris) of Beloit, WI, and Dan (Shelly) Kostka of Isanti, MN; grandchildren, Jim Kostka, Jr., Laurie and Lisa Kostka, Christine (Steve) Marlow, Chuck Kostka, Jennifer (Ben) Sullins, Tommy (Jessie) Kostka, Jr., Crystal Kostka, Beverly Dorn, Randy (Erin) Faasuamalie, Scott (Jamie) Otey, Kelly, Stephanie, Danny, and Will Kostka; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Joan) Kostka of Rockford; several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his 2 sons, James, Jr., and Chuck Kostka. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2008, in St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Peters officiating. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2008, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with a recital of the rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation also from 9 a.m. until time of service on Monday at the church. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To express online condolences to the family, please visit www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.