Edward L. Kosta, Jr., age 86 of Parr, passed away at his home on Thursday evening, Dec. 15, 2011. Ed was born on June 3, 1925, the son of the late Edward Joseph and Edna (Mauck) Kosta. He was a lifelong area resident.

Ed grew up around Parr and attended school in Union Township. He graduated from Fair Oaks High School with the class of 1943. On Sept. 1, 1945 he married Phyllis E. Whitaker at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer. She preceded him in death on June 29, 2010. Ed was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed collecting things, visiting with friends, both old and new, and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Jasper County Retired Iron Club. Ed was known for his contagious smile and was a kind, caring, generous man.

Ed is survived by his three daughters: Janis Sampson (husband: Verne) of Wheatfield, Karen Puchle (husband: Eugene) of Brownsburg, and Linda Herman (husband: Ron) of Atlanta, GA. Eleven grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis, his son Allan Kosta, and two brothers: Joseph Kosta and Paul Kosta.

Friends may call on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CST) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. (CST) at St. Augustine Catholic Church of Rensselaer with Father Don Davison officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Jasper County Hospital Home Health Care and Hospice or St. Augustine Catholic School.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Kosta Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.