Irene Kostenko, 92, Minot formerly of Butte died Friday, May 4th, 2018, at her assisted living apartment.

She was born February 21st, 1926, in Kief, ND to Albert and Mary (Hess) Knodel. She was reared and educated in Kief, graduating from Kief High School. She completed her education at Dakota Business College in Fargo, and later received her teaching certificate through the State of North Dakota serving as a school teacher in Sheridan and McHenry Counties.

Irene met the love of her life at a country barn dance and was later united in marriage to Samuel Kostenko on July 11th, 1948 in Drake, ND. They made their home in Dogden Township of McLean County on the Kostenko Family Farm located southeast of Butte, ND where they raised four daughters. The farm produced small grains, livestock, fruit trees and garden produce. After 52 years on the farm, they moved to Minot in 2000 where they became caregivers to her parents for many years. Samuel passed away February 26, 2005.

As a member of the Butte Community and surrounding area, she taught Sunday School and Bible School and held various offices at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, active in PTA, was a 4-H Leader and Farmers' Union Youth Leader for many years. She was a lifetime member of the Butte American Legion Auxiliary and member of a Home-Makers Club. After their move to Minot she became a member of Christ Lutheran Church, lifetime member of the AMVETS Auxiliary, Silver Connections, YMCA, and past member of the Ukrainian Cultural Society.

"Mom was a very social person, always interested in others. She constantly found new things to be involved in and there was no limit to Mom's many interests. Some examples of these were, most importantly, painting in various venues, creating many artistic eclectic art projects, writing including journaling life's experiences for many years, square dancing, reading, gardening, quilting, volunteer work, cooking, traveling, exercising, and attending concerts. Mom gave special attention to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, attending as many of their activities as possible. Extended family was very important to her and together they spent many hours discussing genealogy."

Irene is survived by her daughters, Cassie Oster of Minot, Randy Cosacchi (Tony) of Moorhead, MN, Penny Legg (George Jr.) of Butte, and Tenley Johnson (Wayne) of Max; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and sister-in-law: Edy Knodel of Butte.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Samuel, brother Lloyd Knodel, son-in-Law, Duane, and special friend, Fred Meldahl (Cassie).

Celebration of Irene Kostenko's life will take place at Christ Lutheran Church in Minot on May 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens of Minot.
Visitation will take place at Thomas Funeral Home on Friday, May 11th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Butte, Christ Lutheran Church of Minot or the Butte American Legion Auxiliary.