Josef Kosciarz

Josef Kosciarz, 88, a resident of Heilberger Lake, died Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. He was born February 10, 1921, in Jodlowiec, Poland, the son of Michal and Marianna (Majcher) Kosciarz. He was a survivor of the German invasion of Poland in 1939. He was captured and tortured by the Nazis and was able to escape to the woods, where he became involved in the underground rescues of Jewish and Polish victims of World War II in the Polish Resistance Movement.  Joe saved his own life by turning himself in under a false identity. He eventually became part of the labor force working on a German farm where he met Anna, his beloved wife of 61 years. They were married June 30, 1945, in Heilbronn, Germany. Joe volunteered for military service with the U.S. Army as a National Guard soldier from 1947 – 1949. In June of 1949 Joe, Anna, and their only child, Danelle, emigrated to America by way of Ellis Island. Catholic Charities sponsored them as World War II refugees, and they were placed in Maine Township. Joe worked as a farm hand, and in 1952 began working for Anderson Brothers Construction, working there until his retirement in 1985.  In 1956 Joe became and American citizen. He was a very proud to be an American and grateful for the freedom and liberties in this country. For over 50 years he was a member of the Carpenters Union. Joe continued working doing small construction jobs for friends, neighbors, and family. Joe and Anna enjoyed wintering in their Mesa, Arizona home for almost 20 years where they developed many warm friendships. They truly loved entertaining all their friends in both Arizona and Minnesota.  Throughout his lifetime Joe enjoyed deer hunting, keeping pigeons, bird watching, gardening, playing cards, and watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings, but Joe’s greatest love was fishing. Every spare moment was spent anticipating, planning, and preparing to fish. Fishing was his passion in life. Joe was proud of his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He looked forward to family visits, big holiday dinners, and celebrations. He has been a member of St. James Catholic Church since 1949, and was a former member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the Rod and Gun Club, and the Eagles Aerie Club. Survivors include his daughter, Danelle Oscars, of Columbus, Montana, grandson, Thaddeus (Lynnette) Kroll of Andover, granddaughter, Tonya (Robert) McConnell of Erhard, MN, granddaughter, Jennifer (Ellek B.) Seymour of Fergus Falls, and great-grandchildren, Zachariah and Samuel Kroll, Alexandra McKinnell, Marina Holmes, and Julian and Eleonor Seymour. Memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities or Food for the Poor. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at St. James Catholic Church in Maine Clergy: Father LeRoy Schik Interment: St. James Catholic Cemetery, Maine Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com