Obituary of Raymond Kostrzewa

Kostrzewa, Raymond Joseph of Saginaw, MI was called home by the Lord on Friday, February 1, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. Ray shared love, kindness, and compassion with friends, family, and all whom he came into contact with throughout his life. Those who knew Ray loved his infectious smile and keen sense of humor. He was 83. Born July 29, 1929 to the late Joseph and Anna (Budzinski) Kostrzewa, he married Patricia Ann Smith on November 14, 1953 who survives him. Graduating from Arthur Hill High School in 1948, Ray showed exceptional athletic ability earning a varsity letter in baseball, once pitching a perfect game in 1947. His athletic passion continued throughout his life as a member of the Carrollton Athletic Association and Saginaw Track Team, winning numerous honors for running including the Presidential Sports Award. In addition, he pursued his love of sport as an avid golfer and with annual fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. In 1950, Ray began his professional career at Bay City Junior College, then moving on to General Motors Institute in Flint where he was a member of the Phi-Tau-Alpha fraternity. Following his graduation from GMI, he worked at Saginaw Steering Gear for 33 years where he was honored as GM Man of the Year in 1980, retiring as Superintendent of Production Control in 1983. As a devout Catholic, Ray married his wife of 59 years, Patricia, at St. Mary's Cathedral and was a lifelong member of St. Josaphat's Church of Carrollton where he was baptized, received all sacraments, and was a member of the Usher's Club. Ray's deep commitment to community service began early and continued throughout his life. In 1946 he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout then continued serving as Boy Scout District Chairman of the White Pine Conference and Scout Master Commissioner of Michigan. As a lifelong resident of Carrollton Township, in 1956 he began twenty-five years of service on the Carrollton Township Planning Commission, establishing the Carrollton Housing Commission, and eventually serving two terms as Township Supervisor beginning in 1976. Furthermore, he was a recognized member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lion's Club, and an honorary member of the VFW for his service in the National Guard. Surviving besides his wife are two daughters and two sons: RaeAnn (Ray) Cronk of Saginaw, Patrick "Rick" (Cheryl) Kostrzewa of Lansing, Patricia Rae "Patti" (Barry) Brethauer of Saginaw, and Raymond Jr. "Randy" (Linnea) Kostrzewa of Muskegon; eight grandchildren: Raymond and Randall (Candice) Cronk, Rachel and Derrick Kostrzewa, Tricia Brethauer and Kirstin (Tim) Fowler, and Joseph and Catherine Kostrzewa; six great-grandchildren: Maxwell Sorba, Chance Cronk, Makayla and Elaina Bellah, Warren and Noah Fowler. Surviving family include siblings Rita and Al Demko of Saginaw, Joan and John Neuerburg of Saginaw, Andrew and Kay Kostravaugh of Kalamazoo, Joeseph and Therese Kostrzewa of Traverse City, god-daughter Connie Kostrzewa-Sivey, and dear friends Eugene "Gene" and Yoko Mossner; preceding him in death are brothers Valerian and Daniel Kostrzewa. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at St. Josaphat 469 Shattuck Rd. Saginaw with Pastor Fr. Ronald Dombrowski officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISTATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. A vigil service will take place on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make donations to the family that will be distributed amongst Ray's favorite charities. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.