CRESCO — Carol Jeanette Kostohryz found joy in the familiar comforts of country life: a ride around the farm with her dog, Sammie, a garden to tend and something homemade to share with family. Carol, 79, of Cresco, died October 8, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her family following a long battle with cancer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 124 N. Main St., in Protivin. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass begins. Burial will follow the Mass.
Born April 10, 1947, at Floyd County Hospital in Charles City, Carol was the daughter of Walter and Shirley (Schultz) Meier. She attended country school near Saratoga through seventh grade and graduated from Riceville High School in May 1966.
Carol married Don Vrba Sr., and they had five children. Following their divorce, she married David Kostohryz on August 30, 1986, at Holy Trinity Church in Protivin.
Her working years included six years at Sara Lee in New Hampton and a 29-year career at Stanley Engineered Fastening in Decorah. Away from her job, she also helped her husband and son on the farm.
Retirement gave Carol more time for the everyday pleasures she loved. She tended her garden and drove her Gator around the farm with Sammie along for company. Sewing, puzzles, and following the weather and news were among her other interests.
Cooking and baking were especially meaningful ways she cared for her family. Carol liked experimenting with recipes and making them her own, but her homemade kolaches held a special place among family and friends. Above all, she valued time with the people she loved.
Carol is survived by her five children: Don Jr. (Tina) Vrba of Dixon, Missouri; Debra (Chris) Ruff of Marion; Dean (Cara) Vrba of Dysart; Deanna (Jason) Dickinson of Cassville, Missouri; and Danny (Rachel) Vrba of Cresco.
She also leaves her grandchildren, Meghan (Nick) Goodrich, Jordyn Vrba, Isaac and Ian Vrba, Eryca and Taryn Martin, Bradan and Drew Dickinson, and Mason, Lexus and Alayna Vrba; great-grandchildren, Blaire and Jackson Goodrich; nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Sammie.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David; her parents, Walter and Shirley; her sister, Sharon Kovarik; and her nephew, Steve Kovarik.
Family and friends may share condolences and read Carol’s obituary through Hindt Funeral Home.
NorthIowaToday.com publishes obituaries and remembrances for families and funeral homes free of charge.