Peter Kostelecky

A Funeral Mass for Peter "Pete" Kostelecky, 87, of Dickinson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Robert Shea celebrating. Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation for Pete will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil being held at 6:00 p.m.

Pete passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025 at St. Benedict's Health in Dickinson.

Pete was born June 29, 1937, to Frank L. and Pauline (Sykora) Kostelecky in Dickinson, ND. He grew up in Dickinson attending St. Patrick and St. Wenceslaus Catholic grade schools, Dickinson High School and graduated from Dickinson State University with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Pete was a dedicated altar server at St. Wenceslaus Parish during his grade school and high school years. He played basketball for St. Wenceslaus Saints in grade school. While attending Dickinson High School he was a member of the basketball, football and wrestling teams and as well as a member of the Western division “All State Team”.

Pete played football while attending Dickinson State University. He was Charter member of DSU Wrestling Program in 1958 and Member of DSU Wrestling Hall of Fame (1960-63). In 1961 he was football captain and named the NDIAC “All Conference Guard. Pete was on the DSC wrestling team from 1958-1962 and was the wrestling Co-Captain in 1962.

Pete was drafted into the military serving in the US Army 5th Division, Company “E” from August 19, 1962 until he was honorably discharged on July 1, 1964. He spent 10 months in Germany while serving his country.

Pete began his teaching and coaching career in Mohall, ND from 1964-1966. He then taught and coached football and wrestling in Turtle Lake, ND from 1966-1969, and in Carrington, ND from 1969-1979.

In 1979 Pete moved back to his hometown of Dickinson and took a position as Director of Safety & Human Relations for Fisher Industries until his retirement in 1999.

After retirement, Pete worked for Stark County in the Weed Control Division. He was acquainted with many Stark County farmers, and enjoyed listening to stories about their families dating back several generations.

Pete served as a member of the North Dakota Workers Compensation Board and the Workers Compensation Advisory Council. He was a member of the North Dakota Safety Council as well as the North Dakota and National Education Associations.

Sports were the highlight of Pete’s life. He was a referee for many years in high school basketball across the western part of the state. He enjoyed attending local high school and college basketball and football games. He followed college sports and attended several Final Four tournaments over the years.

Pete took great pride in the Stark County Veterans Memorial where he has a bench honoring not only his personal military service, but also that of his older brother Edwin A. Kostelecky who served in the US Navy. Both Pete and Ed were proud to serve their country.

Pete was a man of many talents. He built a beautiful brick home, most of it by himself, and lived there for 40 years. In 2020, he made his home at Edgewood Hawks Point.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Pauline (Sykora) Kostelecky, brother, Edwin A. Kostelecky, sister, Mary Rhode, brother-in- laws, Dave Thompson, Robert Rhode, Delbert Gottsacker, sister-in-law Pat Kostelecky; and nephews Tim Kostelecky and Randy Jablonsky.

He is survived by his brother, Don Kostelecky, Battlelake, MN, sisters; Bette Gottsacker, Gervais, OR; Rosemary Jablonsky (Don), Haslet, TX; Fran Thompson, (Bob Ober), Valencia, PA and 17 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude's or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.