Charles "Chuck" Kostka, age 93, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Majestic Pines Assisted Living.

Chuck was born in 1930 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Mildred Kostka. The family saw an ad in the newspaper for Harris Township in Minnesota to purchase land, and the whole family moved. He worked on the family farm and attended Grand Rapids schools. Chuck worked at Sugar Hills Ski Resort as a teenager. Chuck then started at Mintac Mines before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He returned to Mt. Iron, MN and worked in the mines until his retirement in the early 1990s. Chuck was united in marriage to Vivian on July 10, 1976 in Mt. Iron. After retirement, they moved to Grand Rapids. In 2004, Chuck and Vivian became members of Salem Lutheran Brethren Church.

Chuck, a "track boss," had a passion for trains, airplanes, classic cars, and was a devoted Packers fan. He was renowned for his sharp sense of humor, charm, and enjoyment of many happy hours at the VFW. Chuck had a mischievous and playful nature always.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepchildren, Elaine Olson, Eleanor Olson, Joyce Powers, Joe Olson, and Elwood Olson; brothers, William "Bill" Kostka, and Harold Kostka.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vivian; daughter, Michelle (Rob) Spruck of Rosemount, MN; stepchildren, Sharon Braden of Louisiana, Keith Olson of Hibbing, Marvin (Sandy) Olson of Hibbing, Linda (Everett) McCormick of Babbitt, Cathy (Chris) Swapp of Arizonia, and Colleen Olson of Hibbing; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, February 9, 2024, at 10:00am at Salem Lutheran Brethren Church, Grand Rapids, MN followed by the 11:00 am funeral service. Burial and military honors will be at Harris Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN after the service.