Helen Kostka

Helen Kostka, 99, of Willmar, died Wednesday, January 28 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at St. Johns Cemetery in Pennock. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes. www.hafh.org

Helen Kostka was born on April 2, 1926, in Raymond to John and Kuni (Danner) Giinthir. She was raised in Raymond and attended District 77 School through the eighth grade. In 1945, Helen was united in marriage to John Swart. Together they were blessed with five children: Mavis, Thomas, Larry, Janet, and Joyce. The family made their home in various locations throughout the Willmar area. John preceded her in death in 1976.

Helen later married Harold Kostka in 1981. They shared many years together until Harold’s passing in 2001. Helen was employed at Willmar Poultry for 10 years and later worked at Pleasant View Nursing Home for 25 years. She began her career there as a housekeeper and later worked in the laundry department, continuing to work until the age of 80.

In her free time, Helen enjoyed sewing, flowers, gardening, puzzles, and word searches.

Helen is survived by her children: Mavis (Robert) Johnson, Larry (Shirley) Swart, Janet Thorpe, and Joyce Sweep; grandchildren: Benjamin (Esther) Thorpe, Eric Johnson, David (Shawna) Evenson, Chad Evenson, Danny Evenson, and Sean (Heather) Swart; six great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Swart and Harold Kostka; her son, Thomas Swart; her granddaughter, Jessi Thorpe; her parents, John and Kuni Giinthir; and her siblings, John, Paul, and Earl Giinthir, and Margaret Nash.

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