The Passing of Andy Kostka
On the morning of November 17th, 2012 our Twin Cities inline community tragically and shockingly lost a true competitor, talented businessman, and dedicated family man. Thirty-two year old Andy Kostka passed in his sleep at his home. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy Kostka’s wife Betsy and his young daughter.
On the evening of November 20th a member of Andy’s family asked that I post the following message:
Betsy asked me to pass along to all of his skating buddies: if you want to remember Andy, it might be great to have a charity race in the spring to remember him and to raise money to help raise funds for Brynn’s education fund. Secondly she asked if all of you would please stay in contact as skating was such a huge part of their lives and she wants to make sure there is someone who can teach Brynn to skate. That’s what her daddy would have wanted.
Andrew “Andy” Christian Kostka
February 22nd, 1980 ~ November 17th, 2012
“Andy,” Andrew Christian Kostka, 32, of Dayton passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 at his home.
Andy was born February 22, 1980, in Maple Grove/Minneapolis, Minnesota. He married the love of his life and soulmate, “Betsy,” Elizabeth Marie Breyer, on July 11, 2003 in Plymouth. He was the goalie of the high school hockey team and graduated as class valedictorian from Osseo Senior High School in 1998. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York in 2002, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Following graduation, he was hired by General Mills where he has worked as a process systems engineer for 10 years. He traveled abroad for the company and was granted several patents during that time. He was well respected by all of his colleagues.
Andy was always happy and full of life. His life revolved around his two favorite people, Betsy and his four-year-old daughter Brynn, his passion for sports, and his friends. For eleven years, he was a valued teammate and friend of the Science Alliance volleyball team. He qualified as a Masters speed skating and was an avid Inline Racer with Team Hoigaard’s. When he wasn’t racing, he filled his life with family, friends, and playing broomball. His two favorite fans were Betsy and Brynn. He was well-loved.
Andy is survived by his wife, Betsy; daughter, Brynn Elizabeth of Dayton; mother-in-law Donna Breyer of Maple Grove; father and mother-in-law, Kevin Breyer and Kathie Krichhbaum, of Mahtomedi; sisters and brothers-in-law Molly and Terry Bauer and Jessica and Ben Rowan of Lake Elmo; parents, Cathy and Scott Kostka and sister Emy Kostka of Maple Grove; and Auntie Ann, Uncle Mark and cousin Tessa Vellek of Columbia, Missouri.
- Andy Kostka: The Competitor & Rival
- Andy Kostka Photo Gallery
- Andy Kostka Races in Europe
- Andy Kostka Skates Napa
- Andy Kostka Children’s Education Fund
- Andy Kostka’s 2008 Skater Profile
Funeral Arrangements are as follows:
Services
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church (105 Forestview Lane N., Plymouth) on Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 at 10 AM with visitation beginning at 9 AM.
Visitation
Visitation at Kozlak-Radulovich Maple Grove Chapel (13745 Reimer Dr.) on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 from 5-8 PM
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Andy Kostka’s Children’s Education Fund in care of Wells Fargo Bank.
My heart is filled with sorrow. My thoughts and condolences go out to Andy’s family, his Hoigaard’s teammates and all of his skating buddies.
I’d like to echo Glenn’s thoughts. Andy was a giant in every possible good and positive way. I offer my thoughts and condolences to Andy’s family, his team-mates and to all who miss him deeply.
This makes me so sad. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Andy’s family, friends, and teammates.
Very sorry to hear about this. I’m a fellow Minnesotan having grown up in Fridley before moving to SoCal. Had I picked up Inline skating while living in Minnesota, I would have very much enjoyed the opportunity to skate with Andy. Prayers going out to Andy, his family and friends.