Marvin J. Kostka

Marvin James Kostka, age 94, passed away on December 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones while under hospice care.

Marvin was born on May 14, 1931, in Algoma, Wisconsin, to Frank and Ida (Deprey) Kostka.

He proudly served and was a combat veteran in the United States Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, known as the Rock of the Marne, during the Korean War.

Following his service, Marvin worked as a lineman for the Wisconsin Telephone Company and later as an engineer.

On March 6, 1982, Marvin married his soulmate, Judith Ann (Ramsey) Kostka. Together they enjoyed the peace and quiet of country life at their home on Windy Hill Ranch with their animals.

Marvin held a deep respect for history and was an avid Civil War reenactor with Company E, Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, known as the Iron Brigade. Affectionately known as “Pa,” he enjoyed the company of his reenacting family. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored with the title of General by the Governor of Wisconsin.

In retirement, Marvin remained actively engaged in veteran and service organizations, including VFW Post 6705, American Legion Post 363, and the Knights of Columbus. He also supported several charitable causes, with dedication to wounded veterans.

Marvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Kostka. He is survived by his wife Judy; his children, Jeffery Kostka and Andrea (Kostka) Schuessler; his daughter-in-law, Jeanine (Gould) Kostka, son-in-law, Robert Schuessler, sister-in-law Jean Ramsey (James Magee) and brother-in-law Tom Ramsey (Mary Jo).

He was a proud grandfather to Erin (Schuessler) Wachtendonk; Anne (Schuessler) Lapinski and her husband, Gregory Lapinski; Stephen Kostka and his wife, Karen (Mawdsley) Kostka; and Andrew Kostka. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Ezekiel and Elizabeth Wachtendonk and Brynn Lapinski.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Lorraine (Garsow) Kasmerchek, Edward Garsow, Marie (Garsow) Brans, Donald Kostka, Gerald Kostka, Nancy (Kostka) Karol, Alma Lou (Kostka) Yantz, Donna Mae (Kostka) Laurin.

Friends and family may gather on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Cotter Funeral Home, 536 County Road R, in Denmark from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a prayer vigil at 7:00 pm.

Visitation will continue on Tuesday, December 23rd from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 145 St. Claude St., Denmark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Marvin at the church at 11:00 am with Fr. Xavier Amirtham, O.Praem officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in Marvin’s name to a veteran organization of your choice.