Lillian Kostac

MIDDLE RIVER, Wis. — Lillian Kostac, 98, of Hurley, died Monday, May 26, 2014, in Middle River.

She was born March 13, 1916, in Bessemer, Mich., daughter of the late Jacob and Allegonda (Harteloo) Groenen. Lillian attended St. Sebastian Catholic Grade School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1933. She studied nursing and was first a nurses aide and then a licensed practical nurse at Grand View Hospital for more than 18 years.

She was a member of the Iron County Historical Society and enjoyed making rag rugs and stockings. She loved snowshoeing and walking, and in her younger years also enjoyed boating and water-skiing.

Lillian was married to Leo Gayan. He preceded her in death.

She was also married to Anton Kostac. He preceded her in death.

Lillian is survived by two sons, Robert Gayan, of Paradise, Texas, and Richard (Irma) Gayan, of Belmont, N.C .; two stepdaughters, Helen (Marvin) Jakkola-Kangas, of Bessemer, and Rose (Eero) Haukkala, of Ironwood, Mich .; a stepson, George Gayan, of Tucson, Ariz .; and five grandchildren, Michael Gayan, Dianna (Paul) Banda, Tyler (Melissa) Gayan, Shelly Cooke and Kyle Gayan.

Besides her parents and husbands, Lillian was preceded in death by two stepsons, Leo and Walter Gayan; a grandson, Dale Gayan; a brother, George Groenen; and a sister, Marie Salaj.

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley.

A graveside service and Rite of Committal will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer on Monday, June 2, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Antony Lukka of St. Sebastian Catholic Church will officiate.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory and the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of 304 S. Sophie St. in Bessemer have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.