Tom Henry Kostelnik, 87, of Hallettsville, passed away June 16, 2017. He was born December 9, 1929, in Wied, Texas to Steve and Karolina Kostelnik. He married the love of his life, Peggy Zrzavy, on September 25, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville, Texas. Together they raised their family of four sons and one daughter: David, Thomas, Ronald, Debi, and Michael, and sorrowfully lost twin infant sons at birth. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, St. Isador Lodge, SPJST, and served on the Lavaca County Flood Control Board.

Tom worked at Weingartens, then Lay Construction, where he became a lineman, running high line power wires across south Texas. He then went to work for the City of Hallettsville, eventually becoming the city manager. He retired from the city in 1991 after 35 years of service.

Tom's greatest joy was his family. He was forever spoiling his grandchildren. He took them to the store and told them to get whatever they wanted. He would take them for rides in his orange Bronco with the top down, listening to old country. They thought they were the coolest kids in town. He always enjoyed them coming over to swim and had the ice cream ready. Fondest memories were made at the Kostelnik Ranch in Clay where he loved to entertain friends and family. He would grill some steaks and play his harmonica. He continued this tradition of spoiling his little ones later on with his great grandchildren. He was blessed to see another generation of little angels having fun swimming and eating ice cream at the pool. The love of his grandkids and great grandkids continued until the end as his eyes would light up every time they would enter the room.

Tom had many words of wisdom and stories he shared over the years; some true, some not so true, but they were believed by all. There were stories of airplane flights and racing cars. When asked an obvious question, he would always reply, "Well, is a bluebird blue?" If you were a bit off track, he'd be sure to tell you to "Get right". He would remind everyone that "We good people", and when giving a compliment he'd be quick to say, "It's good, but not as good as mine!"

Tom also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the many travels he and his wife Peggy experienced with their family and close friends. He had a love of flying airplanes and eating good food. Tom was definitely the life of any party. The world was lucky to have him and will definitely not be the same without him.

Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Zrzavy Kostelnik; sons Thomas W. and wife Kathy, Ronald E. and wife Gloria, Michael J. and wife Theresa, daughter-in-law Marsha Kostelnik, and son-in-law, Jimmy Franta. He is also survived by grandchildren Brian, and wife Kristi, Kevin and wife Lauren, Kristy and husband Andrew Gilbert, grand daughter-in-law Jennifer and husband Todd Loudon, Angela and husband Scott Pustka, Melinda and husband Stevon Poeling, Steven Franta and wife Amanda, Kyle Franta and wife Cassie, Zachary Kostelnik and fiancé Amy, and Megan Kostelnik. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Kaitlin, Trent, Presley, Taylor, Christopher, Julie, Damon, Dylon, Addison, Kora, Quinn, Katie, Karley, Kallie, Macey, Ashlyn, Tanner, Finley, Canon, Cason, Callyn, Dixie, Kaspyn, and Mclaine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe and Steve Kostelnik, sister Julie Sassin and Frances Dolezal, half-sisters Annie Barosh Moore and Emilie Kremling, twin infant sons, daughter Debi Franta, son David Kostelnik, and grandsons Christopher Kostelnik and Timothy Kostelnik.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Monday, June 19, 2017, at Sacred Heart Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Sunday at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at 6 pm. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers: Brian, Kostelnik, Kevin Kostelnik, Zachary Kostelnik, Steven Franta, Kyle Franta, and Scott Pustka. Honorary Pallbearers: grandchildren & in laws, and great grandchildren. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Hospice of South Texas, Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Donor's Choice. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.