Kenneth Kostal
Kenneth Thomas Kostal, 78, of La Grange, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members, on January 30, 2021 in his home after recently suffering from a stroke and seizure. Kenneth was born on October 20, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Mary ( née Garhardt) Kostal and the late Thomas Kostal III. He graduated from Leo High School in 1960 and University of Illinois in 1967 with a B.S. in Architecture and a M.S. in Structural Engineering. Shortly after graduation he began his long and fulfilling career working in the Power Industry for Sargent and Lundy. He eventually became the managing partner for the international clients, which led him to travel the world including briefly living in Hong Kong. After 35 years, he retired from Sargent and Lundy as an owner and an Executive Vice President in 2002. Through the years, Kenneth also contributed much of his time and energy as a board member for the La Grange Hospital, Greater La Grange YMCA, Helping Hand Center, and Interfaith Community Partners, as well as a volunteer and member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He enjoyed and was fulfilled by helping and supporting the community in which he lived.
Kenneth married Judith (née Gacki) on August 27th, 1966. In their 54 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling at home and abroad delighting in the company of family and friends while sharing good food and wine.
Ken’s enduring legacy will be best remembered for his tireless work ethic; his commitment to his greater community; genuine interest in the lives and activities of anyone he met; his devotion to his family especially each one of his grandchildren; and his love of toasting others’ good fortunes with a nice glass of wine.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kim (Larry) Kilgore. Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife, Judith (née Gacki) Kostal; brother Dennis (Karen) Kostal; daughter Sheila Kostal; sons Thomas (Megan) Kostal and John (Katie) Kostal; grandchildren, Ryan Peake, Jason Peake, Emily Peake, Molly Peake, Sophie Kostal, Emma Kostal, Isabelle Kostal, Eloise Kostal, and William Kostal; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 12 at 10:00am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 124 N. Spring Ave, La Grange, IL 60525. Visitors will be required to sign up to attend the service due to limited capacity: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044daaa72ea2f94-kenkostal For those unable to attend in person, you can watch the Mass live by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/SFXParish.LG Memorial contributions may be made to Leo High School Scholarship Fund in memory of Kenneth Kostal. www.leohighschool.org/donate or Leo High School c/o Dan McGrath 7901 S. Sangamon Chicago, IL 60620
For additional information, feel free to reach out to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at (708) 352-6500.
Ken and I have been friends for 40 plus years. He and Judy have raised a beautiful family and have been Blessed with amazing Grandchildren. In the last four years I have been Blessed to work with Ken as board members of Interfaith Community Partners. We also worked as money counters of SFX Sunday collections. Ken and I would also go the restaurants for breakfast and lunch just to share time together. Ken was my private restaurant critic . If he said a restaurant was excellent you could take it to the bank. Covid kept us from eating out and we talked about in 2021 hoping to enjoy more eating time together. Ken and I also enjoyed eating lunches with Father Bill Killeen retired from SFX. I will miss his laughter and wise council and the numerous books he would give me when he finished a book he thought I would like to read. My heart is very sad for all that loved Ken his sport will be missed but never forgotten.
My family and I are saddened about Ken’s passing. The last time I saw Ken was in January, 2020. I called him to tell him his former (retired) secretary had passed away. My sister was Eleanor Scalise. He did not hesitate when I asked him if he could attend the service; he said you can count me in and I’ll be there and so he was. I, too, worked at Sargent & Lundy and always remember Ken with a smile on his face and always hi there, how are you? He was very organized; he would carry around his appointment book with him; yes, he stayed on top of things. It was a pleasure to know him. My family and I extend our sympathy and prayers to the Kostal family. God bless you all.
Dear Judy and Family, I am so sad to hear about Ken’s passing. Our family enjoyed getting to know him and the family over the past 13 years @ Hidden Harbor. He will surely be missed. Please know you and the family with be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Marcia Mortell-Blumb
I am inspired and humbled by his example.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss.
We are very saddened by Ken’ passing away. Ken was a great leader, and a Legend for his keen interest in people, and his genuine kindness. He showed the same deep interest in CEOs and Presidents of Corporations, as he would with everyone else. We fondly recall, how he found time to make a flying visit/stop for my wife’ mother in one of his foreign trips. I will his miss Ken’ visits for the morning breakfasts.
Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers to Judy and family.
Ken’s sparkly eyes and friendly manner were so very appreciated and admired at every family gathering—whether picnic, or funeral.
For someone who accomplished so much in life, he remained humble and approachable.
It’s never easy to say goodbye. He will be remembered often with gratitude given to have known so fine a man! So sorry for your loss.
Although I was not able to physically attend the church ceremony I was able to attend virtually. Ken was an extremely wonderful person with his traits of kindness and humility. He was honest and supportive to me in many ways. I was saddened to hear his passing at what I would consider young in age. The many excellent comments made at the ceremony about Ken’s generosity and various ways of support were correctly summarized. Ken will not be forgotten and he set a standard only a few ever attain.
I watched Ken’s mass virtually this morning. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. RIP; I’m sure God will reward you for a life well lived.
We are so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Always so kind with a smile for everyone. He always had time for a quick story or anecdote. Rest In Peace Ken.
Ken, was always up beat and fun to talk to when we see him around Hidden Harbor, I enjoyed being on the board of directors when he was President. He will be missed.
Family memories will help to sustain your sorrows. We will keep you in our prayers.
Andrea and Tony Bryant A-5