Barbara Joan Kostelnicek
Barbara Joan Kostelnicek (née Fisher) was born in Cleveland, Ohio 10 February 1939 to Othal and Margaret Fisher. Her family moved to Dayton, Ohio during the 1940 war years. Barb attended the Dayton public schools and the University or Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attained a Masters Degree in Education from the College of Design Architecture and Art. Barb subsequently moved to Champaign, Illinois to teach interior design and art history at the University of Illinois’ College of Agriculture. She traveled and taught throughout rural Illinois bringing design skills to remote residents through the College’s Agricultural Extension Service.
Barb met Dick Kostelnicek, an engineering graduate student, at the University of Illinois during a blind date. They were married two years later and have been married for fifty-four years. In 1979 they moved to Houston and subsequently to Dickinson, Texas. Barb designed the house that they have lived in for the past forty-eight years. Together, Barb and Dick constructed the entire house with their own hands, save for the foundation’s slab and initial rough framing.
Barb held several jobs in the Houston Area and was active in local civic and church activities. Barb and Dick spent eight years of intensive RVing and have traveled to and camped in most of the United States. Barb was a prolific genealogist for her and her husband’s families.
Recently, Barb and Dick have been resting and enjoying local senior activities together with recovering from hurricanes, floods and black-outs. It’s been an exciting life!
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday December 14, 2021 at 11:00 am at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas.
Dick, I was so very saddened when I got your call about Barbara’s death. She was such a sweetheart, always interested in what was going on in the life that Bill and I shared. She shared her expertise about genealogy with us which was so appreciated. I cherish the meals we shared together at the Bellaire Coffee Shop. She and I always chose that delicious hamburger. I know just how much you will miss her every single day but you – like me – have many beautiful, fun memories to recall. You, my friend,
are in my prayers and will continue to be as you go on through life without your sweet Barb. Love to you – Jane Mahns
Have known Barb and Dick since 1979. Barb was a talented person and one of a kind. I’m sure that Dick will miss her dearly.
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing Dick. She will be missed. You have my deepest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Dick, our thoughts are with you in the loss of your dear wife. You and Barb have been together for so long. We know that her death leaves a great void in your life. We pray that you’ll find some comfort in all the wonderful memories you’ve made over the years.