Garold Stanley Kostrzewski, known to all as Gary, age 69, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 31, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Gary was born in Warren, Minnesota, to Steve and Alice (Pokrzywinski) Kostrzewski. He lived a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to his family, and he was someone others could always depend on.

A dedicated and hard-working man, Gary took great pride in his job. Through his strong work ethic, he taught his sons the value of showing up, working hard, and doing things the right way—lessons that will live on through them.

Gary was a proud father to Stephen Klimek, Waylon Gary Kostrzewski (Teresa) and Bocephus Williams Kostrzewski, and a loving grandfather to his cherished grandson, Ezra Cash Kostrzewski. He was deeply devoted to Ezra and made sure to stay close, even learning how to FaceTime so he could talk with him, laugh with him, and watch him grow.

Gary shared 24 loving years with his life partner, Jane Vendel. Together, Gary and Jane were always by each other’s side, spending countless hours antiquing, watching old movies, and enjoying the simple moments that mattered most to them.

Gary had a deep love for music of all kinds—there truly wasn’t a genre he didn’t enjoy. Family meant everything to him, and he never hesitated to make the five hour drive north to Thief River Falls just to be with the people he loved.

Left to miss him every day are his children, his grandson, and his siblings: Jeanette (Jim) Asp of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Richard Kostrzewski of Rosewood, Minnesota; and Rosemary Kostrzewski of Wadena, Minnesota.

Gary is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Steve and Alice Kostrzewski, and with his siblings, Daniel Kostrzewski, Gerald “Jerry” Kostrzewski, and Julian “Sonny” Kostrzewski.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Memorial at later date