John Costello Obituary
Born: Jan. 9, 1926; in Crystal Lake
Died: June 30, 2008; in Silver Bay, Minn.
SILVER BAY, Minn. - John E. Costello, 82, of Lutsen, Minn., died Monday, June 30, 2008, at the Minnesota Veteran's Home in Silver Bay, Minn.
He was born Jan. 9, 1926, in Crystal Lake, to A. George and Elizabeth (Kearins) Costello.
He graduated early from Crystal Lake High School in 1944. He began attending the University of Notre Dame, majoring in philosophy. He then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before returning to Notre Dame and graduating in 1948. He married Joan Taylor of Crystal Lake on Nov. 25, 1950. Soon after, he began his career in sales of glass containers for food and beverages. He eventually became National Sales Manager for Foster-Forbes Glass Company, moving to their Marion, Ind., headquarters. After retiring from 40 years in the glass-container business, he and his wife moved to Lutsen. His idea of retirement was to become a Realtor in Cook County and a hospice volunteer for St. Mary's Duluth Clinic. In addition to his service with hospice, he also volunteered with Page Education Foundation in Duluth for more than 10 years, mentoring young college students involved in service learning projects.
His interest during the years included golf, attending Notre Dame football games, and volunteering in many capacities.
He will be remembered by his family for his honesty, loyalty, service to the community, and his sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; seven children, John (Mary Jane Rehm) Costello, Timothy Costello, Patricia (George) Vurdelja, Robert (Ana Rosa) Costello, Nancy (Mike) Bonkowski, Richard (Maggie Spencer) Costello and Susan Costello; and seven wonderful grandchildren, Lisa (Bonkowski) Harkins, Emily Bonkowski, Timothy Costello, Stewart Costello, Melissa Vurdelja, John Vurdelja and Ann Vurdelja.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, George and Thomas.
The visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at St. John's Catholic Church, 10 E. Fifth St., Grand Marais, Minn. A funeral Mass to celebrate his life will follow at 2 p.m.
Internment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Gran Marais.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Solvay Compassionate Care Fund or to the Page Education Memorial.
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2 Entries
Dianne Griffin Shute
July 7, 2008
Sue,
I was sorry to read about your father's death. I can understand what you are going through. We lost my dad 14 years ago. Seeing your name brought back great childhood memories. I wish you and your family the best in this sad time. Take care.
Dianne Griffin Shute
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Janice & Scott Schmidt
July 3, 2008
Dear Rich and family,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss; your father sounded like a wonderful person and he will surely be missed. If the measure of a good life is in leaving behind kind and loving children, we know that he absolutely had a good life. Take care of yourselves and know that we're thinking about you. Love to you all.
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