For the South Saint Paul High School Class of 1969.

(Send feedback to ssphs69@gmail.com)

SSPHS '69

John P. Kostka

Age 66 of Inver Grove Heights Passed away peacefully on June 8, 2017. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph & Florence; brother, Joseph Jr. Survived by forever loving wife of 45 years, Deb; daughter, Jennifer (Don); sons, John Jr. (Jessica) & Jeffrey; cherished granddaughters, Marissa & Morgan; brother, Richard; sister, Sandy (Michael); also brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many friends & the employees of Tandem Printing. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wednesday, June 14th, at the Church of St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the American Heart Assn. or research for Attention Defect Hyperactivity Disorder. Roberts Funeral and Cremation. Published in Pioneer Press 6/11/2017.

My condolences to deb and family on the death of your husband,father and grandfather. John was one of my best friends in high school and further gave me my beginnings in the banking business for which I will ever be eternally grateful. Unquestionable character, integrity describe John in my mind and I'm saddened terribly that he left this world so soon. Bruce Ruecker, South St. Paul, MN

John and I worked together at Drovers Bank,now Bremer Bank which was a long time ago. He later owned his own business at Tandem Printing. I was in the insurance department at Drovers and we wrote his personal insurance. He was a awesome client as well as his wife Deb. When he left Drovers as well as myself, I asked John to continue his insurance with me at the agency I now work for which he did. I have had many conversations over the past years with him and Deb over insurance and just being friends. John was always pleasant and concerned in all of his endeavors and he will be greatly missed. The Lord took him to heaven way to early and I pray for comfort to you Deb and family in this difficult time. God Bless. Marlys Cornelissen

John was the best brother-in-law anyone could ever ask for. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Be comforted by thought of him in heaven watching over all his loved ones and keeping them safe. So sorry for your loss. Larry and Cindy Ward, Inver Grove Heights

John was so much more than a boss. He was a mentor, a friend and a calming force in this crazy business we call printing. I thanked him every year for employing me yet another year - it will be 24 years in September - and he always replied, "The pleasure has been all ours". That's just the kind of man he was. Respectful, grateful, faithful, loving and genuinely kind. My heart is breaking and I pray every day that you find comfort in that John lived an incredible life and positively impacted so many people we can't even count. I already find myself saying "John would say.. or John would do..." before doing or saying something. I'm a better person because I knew him. Michele Hein, Tandem Printing

From Mike Smeby, Providence (St John Vianney) class of 1961:

Very surprised to see John had died. While he was 4 years younger, I remember his ascent to the presidency at Drovers (Bremer) bank. He always was a good looking, energetic guy and obviously an achiever. Please drop me an email so I can add you to a growing list of names and emails from our old grade school class at SJV where I still attend Mass. We have a get together on June 29th at the SSP VFW at 5:30pm. My email is mikesmeby@gmail.com and phone # is cell: 651-353-3842. Married 42 years and live on Wentworth Ave in WSP. I will remember John and his family in my Mass prayers. Very kindest regards and sympathy to you and your family.

I will never forget the first time i met john. I walked into his office on my interview. He noticed I was wearing a mn wild dress shirt. So u are a wild fan... I was like Damn I mean darn straight. Next thing you know I am sitting in the chair talking with john for 30 minutes... I used to joke with john everyday when I needed to borrow the company credit card... And he would always say... If i see some charges from the hockey lodge I know its you. john you will be truly missed. I will always remember some of the great talks we had about life decision and personal experience. I am very thankful to have met an awesome man that treated all of his employees like they were one of his own kids. John you were not a boss.. You were a great fiend. Hope you will continue to look over our work family and keep giving us advice but from a different place now. Just remember what i said to you.. Wild will win Stanley cup in 2018. David Brandner.