Kostiha Sr., Leo Lee

Leo Lee Kostiha Sr., 81, of Morley, died Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, with his family by his side. Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. Dr. Bill Daylong, Pastor Sherri Daylong, and Pastor Laurie Riley will officiate at the service. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Green Center Cemetery in Morley.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

He is survived by seven children, Becky (Bryan) Woodward, Rosa Lee Moss (Dave Dirks), Leo Lee Kostiha Jr., Kenny Bancroft, Loyd Roling, Rusty Roling and Tammy (Roling) Luchtenburg; 11 grandchildren, Danielle and Heather Smith, Jeff (Caroline) Schmidt, Amanda (Dan) Meyer, Eric and Brad Luchtenburg, Emily, Hannah, and Ben Moss, Jay and Jessie Roling; four great-grandchildren, Sadie Schmidt, Madison, Gracie and Hayden Meyer; two sisters, Mary Cowley and Bertha Lou (J.D.) Malina; a brother, Milton Kostiha; extended family, Darlene Roling (Lee) Schmidt and Daniel (Tamara) Roling; and self-proclaimed granddaughter, Kristina Rundle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Darlene, and later by his second wife, Dell Rose Roling; son, Randy Roling; son-in-law, Floyd Blankenship; grandson, Joshua Moss; and siblings, Adolph, Joe and Frank Kostiha and Lydia Jackson.

Leo Lee Kostiha Sr. was born Jan. 12, 1932, in rural Cameron, Texas, the son of Joe and Bertha (Krenek) Kostiha. He attended Yule High School in North Elm, Texas. Leo served in the Texas and Iowa National Guard. Leo worked as a corrections officer at the Anamosa State Penitentiary for more than 27 years.

A cup of hot tea, Diet Pepsi, talking about “the news,” and an auction with family made for Leo's ideal Saturday. Leo had a love for Sunday drives, The Dallas Cowboys, and buying collectibles for his South Forty. He always enjoyed tinkering in his big garage and talking to people about the “big City of Morley.”

Leo will always be remembered for his strength and for his willingness to help others.

A special thank you to the staff at Cardiac Rehab, Jones Regional, St. Luke's Hospice and for all others who have supported us in Leo's journey in life.

Published March 28, 2013 in The Gazette