Rosemarie Helen Kostas, 81, of Great Falls, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2015, at her daughter’s home in Portland, Oregon with her daughter by her side.

A Vigil Service will be held in the Rose Room Chapel of Croxford Funeral Home on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 7:00PM, with Father Dick Schlosser presiding. Her Funeral Liturgy will be Friday, September 24, 2015 at 1:00PM at the Holy Family Parish, 2800 Central Avenue, with Father Dick Schlosser presiding. Burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery will immediately follow Mass.

Rosemarie was born on November 1, 1933 in Great Falls, Montana to Hans and Helen (Ferche) Spoerl. She grew up in Great Falls, attending local schools and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1951. Rosemarie continued her studies at the College of Great Falls, obtaining a degree in General Studies.

On October 1, 1955 she and John Kostas were united in marriage. To their union a legacy of family was created; a daughter, Theresa, and sons, David and Curtis, who lovingly referred to their mother as, “Mrs. Goose.” Rosemarie cherished time spent with her family and was blessed to share 47 years with the love of her life, John before his passing on February 8, 2003.

During her career, Rosemarie dedicated her life to serving her community. First as a mother and homemaker, caring for her children during their most formative years. When they were of school age, Rosemarie began working with Federal Crop Insurance, a career she flourished in for 17 years. In 1983, she began a new calling, working with the Social Security Administration, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 1999.

Rosemarie was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, volunteering her time and gifts to the church. She was a participant in the DAV Auxiliary, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the VFW, the National Federal Employees Association and the Red Hats Society. She also selflessly gave her time to the patients and their families at Peace Hospice.

She loved being a part of the community she was born and raised in, enjoying the community concerts offered in the parks. Shopping, reading a good book and traveling to visit friends and family are pastimes she relished. Rosemarie took in many local baseball games, cheering on the athletes to victory. She also loved to get together with her friends on Thursday nights for dinner at the Senior Citizen Center. Rosemarie was a vibrant friend to many, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Rosemarie is survived by her loving family; daughter, Theresa (Robert) Connell of Portland, OR; sons, David Kostas of Great Falls; Curtis (Judy) Kostas of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Jordan Connell, Heidi Peters and Tessa Kostas; her sister, Charlotte Iserloth of Great Falls; her brothers, Fred Spoerl of Las Vegas, NV and Eric Spoerl of Sierra Vista, AZ.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband John Kostas; her parents Hans and Helen Spoerl; brother, Karl Spoerl and her grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in Rosemarie’s name to Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, 201 44th St. S. Great Falls, MT 59405, or to the VFW of Great Falls, 4123 10th Ave S. Great Falls, MT 59405.

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