Garold Stanley "Gary" Kostrzewski

Garold Stanley "Gary" Kostrzewski obituary, Minneapolis, MN

Garold Stanley "Gary" Kostrzewski

Garold Kostrzewski Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services on Feb. 3, 2026.
Garold Stanley Kostrzewski, known to all as Gary, age 69, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 31, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Gary was born in Warren, Minnesota, to Steve and Alice (Pokrzywinski) Kostrzewski. He lived a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to his family, and he was someone others could always depend on.

A dedicated and hard-working man, Gary took great pride in his job. Through his strong work ethic, he taught his sons the value of showing up, working hard, and doing things the right way-lessons that will live on through them.

Gary was a proud father to Stephen Klimek, Waylon Gary Kostrzewski (Teresa) and Bocephus Williams Kostrzewski, and a loving grandfather to his cherished grandson, Ezra Cash Kostrzewski. He was deeply devoted to Ezra and made sure to stay close, even learning how to FaceTime so he could talk with him, laugh with him, and watch him grow.

Gary shared 24 loving years with his life partner, Jane Vendel. Together, Gary and Jane were always by each other's side, spending countless hours antiquing, watching old movies, and enjoying the simple moments that mattered most to them.

Gary had a deep love for music of all kinds-there truly wasn't a genre he didn't enjoy. Family meant everything to him, and he never hesitated to make the five hour drive north to Thief River Falls just to be with the people he loved.

Left to miss him every day are his children, his grandson, and his siblings: Jeanette (Jim) Asp of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Richard Kostrzewski of Rosewood, Minnesota; and Rosemary Kostrzewski of Wadena, Minnesota.

Gary is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Steve and Alice Kostrzewski, and with his siblings, Daniel Kostrzewski, Gerald "Jerry" Kostrzewski, and Julian "Sonny" Kostrzewski.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Memorial at later date

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services

2593 7th Avenue East, North Saint Paul, MN 55109-3011

Make a Donation
in Garold Kostrzewski's name

How to support Garold's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Garold Kostrzewski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Garold Kostrzewski's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?