Robert G. Kostur

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) George Kostur on December 9, 2024, at the Michaelsen Healthcare Center in Batavia, Illinois, at the age of 88.

Bob was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 24, 1935, to George and Mary Kostur, where he spent his childhood and attended school. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1953, and shortly after, pursued a chemistry degree at Case Western Reserve University, on an academic scholarship.

On June 14, 1957, Bob married Claudia Lee Sills in Cleveland, beginning a lifelong partnership. Together, they built a wonderful life. Bob worked as a chemical engineer for B.F. Goodrich, working in various locations across the US.

He started his career off in his hometown of Cleveland, OH then moved on to Pasadena, California where he worked for ten years. He and his family then moved back to Ohio, where Bob continued to work the Ohio region before finally moving to Geneva, Illinois in 1982.  He  spent the remainder of his career working out of Chicago. After retiring in Geneva, Bob continued to explore his passions, including tinkering with his model train collection and indulging his love for coin collecting, and of course golf.

Bob was a devoted member of Chapel Street Church, where he was active for many years in several men's groups. He was also a constant source of support for his church community, always willing to lend a helping hand, a true servant's heart .

Bob's legacy lives on in his family. He is survived by his wife Claudia of Batavia, Illinois; their two sons Glenn (Ruth) of Boulder, CO and Dale (Lori) of Saratoga, WY; as well as five grandchildren Logan Kostur, Phelan (Quinn) Kostur, and Ellie Kostur, Seth Kostur, and Sara (Kadan) Huber, and their daughter Maeve.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marilyn Zimmerman.

Bob had a passion for life that was evident in everything he did. He was an avid golfer, playing in multiple leagues, and enjoyed working on local camp maintenance projects. He also had a love for playing pinochle, a favorite family card game, and always kept his mind sharp with crossword and Sudoku puzzles. He adored his grandchildren, and they fondly remember his deep love and support.

Here are some heartfelt memories shared by a few of his grandchildren:

(Sara) "I always looked forward to his chemical engineering degree being applied to baking during their Christmas visit when he took the time to meticulously make sugar cookies from scratch and decorate them with me each year, cutting out different shapes and ‘testing’ the cookie dough. I don’t remember a single Christmas that we didn’t do this, and it is something I always looked forward to and loved. He was always asking questions, encouraging people to ask questions, and never stopped learning. He taught me one of the most valuable lessons he could have—never stop learning, and never stop encouraging others to learn. I’m so thankful God allowed him to meet his great-granddaughter more than once. I know how deeply he loved her and will miss sending regular photo updates to him along with what she is up to now."

(Seth) "Another vivid memory is when they came out for my birthday and surprised me. I will always remember him and Grandma teaching us how to play pinochle when you and mom went to Saratoga. It always amazed me how he could figure out who had what cards because he was so analytical. I also remember going down to his basement where he handmade those model square bales for me, and the irrigation pipe tubing he had. There are so many more fond memories of him. I’m so thankful for the time that I was able to spend with him."

A Memorial Service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on January 23, 2025 at 11:00 am at Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street, Geneva, Illinois. Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring his life and legacy.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his love, wisdom, and warmth will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of being part of his life.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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