Dawn Renee Kostohryz
Dawn Renee Kostohryz, age 58, of Olivia, MN, died on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at the Olivia Hospital. A funeral service will be on Monday, July 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island with Rev. Joe Steinbeisser as celebrant. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday, all at the church. Arrangements are with Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.
Dawn Renee Kostohryz was born on June 15, 1965 in Sanford, Florida. She was raised by parents, Chuck and Peggy (Wiener) Geotz. Renee graduated from Crosby High School in 1983. Following high school she worked as a child care provider and then worked for Montgomery Ward’s in Brainerd. While working there she met the love of her life, William Kostohryz, and they were united in marriage on January 13, 2001. Together they raised their eight children. In September of 2008, they moved to Olivia. She worked at ACTS and Cenex in Olivia, where she enjoyed talking with her clients and customers. Renee had a passion for cooking and baking. She had many staple recipes that were favorites of her family and their friends, especially her homemade caramels and sloppy joes. Spending time doing crafts, like knitting and crocheting brought her much joy. Being an animal lover meant that she had many fur babies throughout the years, currently she had been kept company by her two dogs and two cats. The VRBO at South Long Lake was a vacation spot where the family shared numerous memories of their time spent fishing and being together. Renee was a good judge of character and had a knack for reading people. Her fluent sarcasm and wisdom will be missed by many.
Renee is survived by her children: Steve Kostohryz, Mike Kostohryz, Katie Kostohryz (and Matt), Jimmy Lehman, and Chris Kostohryz all of Brainerd, Jake Lehman of Baudette, Kyle Kostohryz (and Gracie) of Olivia, and Kelli Kostohryz (and Parker) of Minneapolis; six grandchildren: Mariah, Gavin, Adelynn, Brayden, Connor, and Rosilee; mother, Peggy Lorenson of Aitkin; brothers: Don (and Chris) Smith of Deerwood, Bill (and Erica) Smith of Crosby, and Arne Smith of Crosby; sisters: Karen Smith of Wisconsin, Abby (and Mike) Geotz of Ironton; and many nieces and nephews. Renee was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; father, Chuck Geotz; sister, Sherrie Ewsichek, and grandparents, Roy & Nita Wiener, and Don & Marie Smith.
Blessed Be Her Memory
