With an overwhelming sense of loss, as well as gratitude for his life, we announce the passing of Joseph Kostka on September 7, 2025, at the Rose Garden Hospice.  Joe was born in 1939 in Prince Albert and grew up northeast of PA in the Claytonville District. He was a raised a farm boy but was self motivated to pursue further education. Joe proudly graduated from the University of Saskatchewan as a Civil Engineer in 1962. The following year he married Irene Haraf, secured an engineering job in Regina and soon had a first baby on the way.  He had the world by the tail !!!  His daughter Paula was born in 1964 and son Brian in 1965. Joe loved being an Engineer.  During his career he worked for the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Northern Saskatchewan, and the Department of Highways.  He took much pride in the fact that he was involved in the design of many of the highways and airports in Northern Saskatchewan and surrounding Prince Albert.  Joe will always be remembered as a hard worker.  He gave 110% to his career as well as continuing to help his mom and brother farm on evenings and weekends for many, many, years.  He retired in 1993 and then was able to spend more time with family and friends at the cabin at Candle Lake.  Being with his kids, grandkids, or precious great-grandson never failed to put a smile on his face. Since purchasing the lake property in 1973, Joe and Irene enjoyed many calm evenings on the water fishing and enjoying the sunsets.  Joe is survived by his wife Irene; son, Brian and his children, Taddeus and Lucas; and their mother Aida Norkis; his daughter, Paula Sundbo (Darren) and their children, Kennedi and Evan (Kelsey) and their son Ash.  He is predeceased by his parents, Bertha and Kazemir Kostka; his brother, Edward; and his in-laws, Joe and Mary Haraf.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Craig Elmer for decades of attentive healthcare and Dr. Parsons and Dr. Ardell in the ER department.  Our appreciation to Drs. Hildebrand and Van Heerden for their care at the Victoria hospital and to Dr. Alana Surkan and Dr. Sunny Lee for their care at the hospice.  Our thanks to Father Tuyen for regular visits and prayers and to Lorne Adams from Beau “Lac” Funeral Home for your guidance.  The phenomenal support of incredible friends and neighbours through this journey of the last year will not be forgotten.  We will forever be deeply grateful to ALL the staff at the Rose Garden Hospice for the best possible environment, friendship and genuine compassion imaginable.

A private family service will be held.  Donations in memory of Joe may be made to Rose Garden Hospice, 500 38th Street West, Prince Albert, SK, S6W 0A3, https://www.rosegardenhospice.ca/donations-fundraising/ . Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK, 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2025-09-07
• Location : Prince Albert, SK