In Memory
John L. Kostry
December 04, 1949 ~ April 29, 2026 (age 76)
John L. Kostry, 76, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Born on December 4, 1949, in South Bend, John was the son of the late John C. and Ruth (Lange) Kostry. He spent his life rooted in the community he loved and dedicated over 40 years of service as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. Known for his reliability and friendly presence, John made lasting connections with many along his route. He graduated from LaSalle High School in 1967.
On August 18, 1984, John married the love of his life, Janice (Miller) Kostry, who survives. John is also survived by his daughter, Alicia (Brian) Bottorff of South Bend; and his sons, John Charles (Jinny) Kostry of Columbus, Ohio, and Neal (Abigail) Kostry of Granger, Indiana. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Benjamin, Charles, Samuel, Ezekiel, Henry, John Aiden, and Luca. John is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Kostry, of Granger.
Along with his parents, John was also preceded in death by his sister, Sue Kostry.
John had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, which was cultivated in his own childhood at his family’s lake cottage in Michigan, where he made many fond memories with his parents and siblings. John instilled this same love for the outdoors with his own children at Potato Creek State Park and other nature preserves, where they enjoyed camping and many outdoor adventures. He also found joy in metal detecting and bike riding. He was also an avid fan of Notre Dame, rarely missing a game and proudly supporting the Fighting Irish. He was also a big Purdue basketball fan, always rooting for the Boilermakers. Above all, John will be remembered as a devoted family man whose greatest happiness came from spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His legacy of love, dedication, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family extends a special thank you to Laura and the entire team at Paradigm Health who helped take care of John and provide support for the entire family.
Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with additional visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Graveside service and burial of ashes will follow at Porter Rea Cemetery in North Liberty, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s honor may be given to the Friends of Potato Creek, PO Box 471, North Liberty, IN 46554.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
Services
Memorial Visitation
Friday
May 8, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - River Park
2528 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
Memorial Visitation
Saturday
May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Palmer Funeral Home - River Park
2528 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
Memorial Service
Saturday
May 9, 2026, 11:00 AM
Palmer Funeral Home - River Park
2528 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
Inurnment
Saturday
May 9, 2026
Porter Rea Cemetery
SR 4 (Potato Creek State Park)
North Liberty, IN 46554
Donations
Friends of Potato Creek State Park
PO Box 471, North Liberty IN 46554
Tel: 1-574-656-8186
Web: https://www.friendsofpotatocreekstatepark.com/donate
Added 05/03/2026 0922 GMS
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