Thomas Joseph Kostelac

Thomas Joseph Kostelac, 75, of Belleville, IL, died October 17, 2021 after many months of rehabilitation following a fall. He was born in East St. Louis, IL, to Joseph and Alberta Kostelac on September 22, 1946.

Tom served in the U.S. Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He married his wife, Carla at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL on April 12, 1986. He was an amateur photographer with a dark room to develop his own film. He recorded many family gatherings with a quick click of the shutter - not always flattering, but a picture of real life. He loved the great musicians that played Dixieland jazz. Tom, a true conservative, was interested in politics and was a part of the Young Americans for Freedom. He was an avid reader and loved history and traveling. He inherited a green thumb and loved to garden, especially growing gourds and pumpkins. Tom never met a pie he didn’t like, but coconut cream was his favorite. Tom never outgrew his fascination of farm tractors and he enjoyed collecting miniature farm equipment. Tom grew up working in the family business, Millstadt Rendering Co., but later left the company and started Rantom Inc. After retiring, Tom enjoyed socializing with the Millstadt Senior Citizens. Tom received a kidney transplant 4 years ago and was active until Feb. 2021 when a fall at home started a decline in his health.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alberta (nee Lanter) Kostelac, and his father-in-law, Norman Vitez.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carla (nee Vitez) Kostelac, a mother-in-law, Evelyn Vitez, two brothers, three sisters, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He is under the care of Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home and is being afforded rites of cremation. No services are scheduled at this time.