After a year of being apart, Douglas Edward Kostichka, 79, was reunited with his wife, Mary on October 7, 2021.
Doug was born May 2, 1942 in Algoma where he lived throughout his entire life. He attended elementary school through 8th grade in the one room school house in Silver Creek where he was 1 of 6 children at the school. He graduated from Algoma High School, Class of 1960. This is where he met the love of his life, Mary Patzlaff.
Doug married his high school sweetheart, Mary, in 1961. They celebrated 59 years together before she died in 2020. Together they raised their six children and lovingly welcomed fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Doug began working at US Plywood right out of high school and then went on to home milk delivery for Carnival Gernsey Dairy. He worked at Anderson Appliance where he fixed bicycles and appliances and then went to own and operate Doug’s Arco station in Casco. He also worked at Calumet/Badger Northland.
Doug began his life’s career as a Sears Appliance Repair technician in 1974 where he eventually retired after 25 Years. In retirement, he could always be found tinkering in his garage and started his own repair business, Deluxe Services. Doug stayed busy providing service for lawn mowers, snow blowers, bicycles or anything that needed fixing. He could always be counted on to help out any family member in need and was recruited often. Doug loved his card game of sheepshead.
Doug served as a volunteer Fireman in Algoma for 33 years until he retired as a Captain.
Doug and Mary enjoyed taking their young children camping and later traveling together, driving to all 48 continental states. They got as far as Washington on their way to Alaska when 9-11 occurred and they had to turn around and come back.
Doug is survived by his six children: Kathy (William) Button, Connie Kostichka; Steve (Hilary) Kostichka, Mike (Kim) Kostichka, Mark Kostichka (Dorothy), David (Julie) Kostichka. Grandchildren: Quinn (Tessa), Brianna, Noah (Victoria) Button; Andrew, Christopher, Jonathan Boehnlein; Kyle, Matthew Kostichka; Kurt (Julia), Ben (Sarah) Kostichka; Travis (Sydney), Devin (Cassi) Kostichka; Payton, Savannah Kostichka. Great Grandchildren: Alexandra, Jack, Case, Bryce, Rylee, Colton. Brothers Dennis (Carol) Kostichka, Chuck (Marge) Kostichka, sisters Marilyn (Eugene) Gauger, Cindy (Larry) Jacobs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents Charlie and Helen (Blaha) Kostichka; Son-in-Law Jeff Langenberg, Daughter-in-Law Jennifer Kostichka; brother John Kostichka; and his favorite 4-legged companion, his chocolate lab, Lady.
Family and friends may gather at the SCHINDERLE FUNERAL HOME, Algoma, Monday, October 11, 2021 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Prayer service 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday, October 12 from 9:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, Algoma, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Rev. Alvan Amadi officiating. Burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Doug’s family would like to thank the staff at Age Well ALF, St. Vincent’s Dialysis Center and Unity Hospice for their care and compassion they gave to Dad.
Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Doug's tribute page at www.schinderle.com.
