Obituary of Rev. Richard F. Kostelz
Rev. Richard F. Kostelz
Age 95, passed away peacefully, on Monday evening, September 20, 2021, at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet, IL. Fr. Kostelz was born on July 28, 1926, in Joliet, attending St. Raymond’s grade school, Joliet Catholic High, and Quigley Preparatory Seminary prior to entering St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. He was ordained May 22, 1952, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond by the late Bishop Martin McNamara.
Fr. Kostelz served as Parochial Vicar at Ss. Peter & Paul, Naperville (1952-1958) and St. Joseph, Lockport (1958-1959). Pastor of Immaculate Conception, Roberts, IL and St. Peter, Piper City, IL (1959-1965); St. Martin of Tours, Kankakee, IL (1965-1974); Ss. Mary & Joseph, Chebanse, IL (1974-1988); St. Joseph, Cabery, IL and St. Mary Mission, Reddick, IL (1988-2015). His dedication to the Catholic Community of the Diocese of Joliet spanned over six decades, culminating with his retirement in 2015.
He is survived by his sisters, Joan (late Robert) Brock and Shirley (late Daniel) Thom as well as three generations of nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Clara (nee Shelko) and Frank Kostelz; one brother, Jack (late Mary Ann) Kostelz and two nieces, Ann and Mary Clare.
Fr. Richard Kostelz will lie in state on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until a Con-Celebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue in Joliet. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, IL.
In lieu of flowers memorials in his name can be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice (Lightways Hospice of Joliet), Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home or the Cathedral of St. Raymond School.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
