Evelyn A. Kosmicki

Evelyn A. Kosmicki, 88, of Grand Island, formerly of St. Paul, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, at CHI Health Saint Francis in Grand Island. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Revs. Rayappa Konka, Mike McDermott and Ray Kosmicki will concelebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church, with a 6 p.m. vigil service. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family. Mrs. Kosmicki was born on Dec. 28, 1927, in a sod house on her parents farm near Rockville, the daughter of Joe and Annie (Rockowicz) Lubash. She was welcomed by a brother Louie and sister Wanda. The doctor arrived on a nice sunny day, via horse and buggy. Evelyn received her education at District 12, walking to school everyday made the travel enjoyable for 8 years. Evelyn desired to further her education, but her assistance was needed to help the family persevere on their farm. This was a tough time for dry land farmers. Employment outside of the farm included, providing childcare to families in Boelus and Grand Island, waitressing at Wolbach's in Grand Island and then moving closer to home while working at Loup City as a clerk at the variety store. Louis S. Kosmicki was the suitor who laid claim to her heart and the two were married on Jan. 31, 1949, in Loup City. The newlyweds made their first home together on the Kosmicki family farm. Evelyn was the traditional farm wife, helping Louis in his endeavors. Evelyn contributed to the income with the raising of chickens which produced egg sales, and dressing of these birds for numerous families. Evelyn and Louis welcomed Patti, Don, Cindy and David to their family. Evelyn busied herself as a mom, a 4-H leader and a St. Francis parish volunteer. Relocation to St. Paul and building a new home occurred in 1977. This then evolved into part time employment at the Howard County Hospital in the laundry area. This part time job turned into a 20 year career. Evelyn and Louis were active at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. A quilting hobby was fulfilling now that time was more available with the kids grown, many quilts were used as raffle prizes for the parish. On her own, Evelyn designed and sewed for all her children and grandchildren. Louis died on Feb. 20, 1993 and Evelyn continued to live in St. Paul until Jan. 2010. She then relocated to Grand Island to the Primrose Retirement Community. This provided easier access to children and grandchildren. In 2013, a lifelong wish came to fruition in Evelyn earning her GED. Seventy-five years after having to forego high school, she was now making this dream a reality. Carrie Barber, the activities director at Primrose made all the necessary arrangements. The study habits of Evelyn were an inspiration to her children. Sometimes phone calls would be cut short in the evenings with the statement, “I need to study”. A gathering and celebration of her graduation, complete with cap and gown, (Carrie again) was a day to be remembered. She is survived by her children, Patti and husband, Jerry Hirschman of Grand Island; widow of Don, daughter-in-law, Sue and husband, Craig Foss of Grand Island; Cindy and husband, Mike Costello of Lincoln; and David Kosmicki and wife, Glenna of Chapman; 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. In addition to her husband, Louis, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, Don Kosmicki; and brother, Louie and sister, Wanda. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boys Town or St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.