Raymond and Beverly Kostelecky

Raymond Vincent “Ray” Kostelecky, age 88, was born on August 13th, 1934 in Dickinson, ND. He passed away peacefully on November 23rd, 2022 in Anoka, MN after battling a lengthy illness with asbestosis. Ray was survived by his wife Beverly, siblings Jean Davis, Vincent Kostelecky, Doris (Ron) Focht, Robert (Karen) Kostelecky, and Dean (JoLynn) Kostelecky. Sister-in-law Clarice “Toots” Kostelecky and many nieces and nephews. Ray is preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Agnes (Barta) Kostelecky, brothers and sisters Vernon Kostelecky, Marjorie Reasy, Kenneth Kostelecky and Allen Kostelecky. Sister-in-laws Agnes Kostelecky, Joyce (Allen) Kostelecky and Joyce (Vincent) Kostelecky. Brother-in-laws Don Reasy and Dyke Davis. 

Beverly Mae “Bev” (Stein) Kostelecky, age 90, was born on April 27th, 1934 in Killdeer, ND. She passed away peacefully on February 23rd, 2025 in Shoreview, MN after fighting dementia and battling a bad fall. Bev is preceded in death by her husband Ray of 66 years, her parents William and Marie (Marty) Stein, siblings Doris Davis, William Stein, Gordon Stein, LeRoy Stein and Marjorie Rainwater. Sister-in-law Betty Stein and brother-in-laws Marion Davis and Virgil Rainwater. Bev is survived by sister-in-laws Irma Stein and Rosalie Stein and many nieces and nephews.

Ray and Bev both grew up in rural North Dakota, Ray living on a farm near New Hradec and Bev on a ranch near Killdeer. Ray joined the United States Navy in 1952 and was on the USS Delong naval ship as a boiler operator serving his country from 1952-1956. Ray was on leave and met Bev while in North Dakota at a dance. They were married on August 16th, 1956 in Salisbury, MD and lived in Norfolk, VA for a short time before moving to Minneapolis MN. They purchased a home in Fridley MN and resided there for 57 years raising their three children Cindy (Joe) May and twins Craig (Ruth) Kostelecky and Kurt Kostelecky. Gary and Loris Ferguson lived across the street and were the family’s “adopted” grandparents. They had a very special place in the family’s hearts and were always included in family gatherings. Ray and Bev were blessed to live in such a great neighborhood in Fridley and made many life long friends.

Ray was affectionately known by family and friends as “Shiner” and “Papa Smurf”. He was well known as the neighborhood “fix it” guy and could repair anything. He had the infamous garage that everyone came to looking for that special nut, bolt, spring, screw, tool, pipe or anything else someone might need while working on a project. Ray worked in the heating and cooling trades and also had his chief boiler license. He worked at several companies over the years, retiring from Cray Research. Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman and went on many trips with family and friends. He always looked forward to getting together with his family to make sausage and home made sauerkraut. Ray was famous for his rotisserie turkey and his home made ice cream. 

Bev was also known as “Tillie” by her family. Bev loved decorating and flowers and was an excellent cook and seamstress. She was famous for her “clam dunk” and “monkey bread” which her family loved. She worked for many years in a floral shop and loved creating floral arrangements for the family for special events. Bev sewed many clothes for herself and Cindy, and did many upholstery and refinishing furniture projects. She was very creative and was always working on a house project or out in her gardens cultivating her flowers. She loved the holidays and always had their home decorated to perfection, especially Christmas and Halloween. Her home was her pride and joy and she spent many hours making it special. 

Ray and Bev had many friends and were very social. They had a neighborhood dance club, card club and birthday club that they always enjoyed and took several vacations with family and friends. They especially loved going to Grand Marais, MN every fall grouse hunting. Ray and Bev’s house was always the social gathering place for many get togethers and everyone always had a great time. With Bev’s cooking and hostessing skills and Ray’s bartending finesse everyone always went home full and happy. 

Ray and Bev were the proud grandparents to eight grandchildren. Cindy and Joe have Matt, Ben, Ashley, Justin, Nathan and Andrew. Craig and Ruth have Luke and Caleb. They also had ten great grandchildren. Bellamie, Beckett, Evie, Willa, Howie, Leo, Ella, Owen, Levi and Elijah. Family gatherings were always crazy (especially Christmas!) and were looked forward to by all. 

Ray and Bev were animal lovers and had several family dogs over the years, each one having a special place in their hearts. 

Ray and Bev will be missed by everyone who knew them with many cherished and happy memories. 

A special thanks to Ecumen Hospice and The Homestead of Anoka for taking great care of Ray and Allina Hospice and St. Theresa’s at St. Odelia for taking great care of Bev.

A military service will be held for Ray and Bev on Monday June 16th at 11:00 am at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St. in Mandan ND 58554. Lunch to follow at the Mandan Eagles, 1400 Collins Ave, Mandan ND 58554.