Leonard Kostohryz

     Leonard Allen Kostohryz, 82, of Black River Falls passed away Monday, June 6, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully at Black River Memorial Hospital.

     He was born on July 2, 1939, in Black River Falls to Adolph and Phyllis Kostohryz. He was the third of six siblings.

     Len was drafted into the Air Force in 1959. He was incredibly proud of his years of service and was a patriot above all else.

     He and friends, Gale Haldeman and John Wyss, were some of the first people to own and ride Harley Davidsons in the region. He was a Harley lover until the very end.

     Len married Jill Frantz on Aug. 29, 1964. Lennie and Jill resided in Hudson until 1972 before moving back to Black River Falls. There, he started a home construction business and built many homes and apartments in and around Black River Falls. He also started an excavating business and was instrumental in bringing the ATV and snowmobile trails to Jackson County. In 1991, he started Dr. K’s, a Polaris dealership, with his son, Rich.

     Lennie had a huge love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, being in Arizona and doing anything with loved ones. He spent a lot of time camping with his family in the younger years. In the later years, he enjoyed winters in Arizona with Jill, where many friends and family would visit over their 14 winters there.

     Everyone knew Lennie could fix anything and everything. We always said “If Len can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.” He really could make anything happen that he set his mind to. He was strong and never gave up on anything. 

     Len made new friends everywhere he went. With his infectious personality and that laugh that we all know, people were just drawn to him. He was witty and charming and could talk his way out of any situation. He was admired and loved by so many people.

     Lennie loved his family more than anything. He was so incredibly proud of all of them. Those great-grandkids held a special place in his heart, and he will always be in theirs. He was simply the most amazing man, and it was very evident to everyone he met. His friends and family will miss him more than anyone can ever say.

     He was so important to so many people and everyone just loved him. We all wanted to grow up to be just like Len. Most still do.

     Lennie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jill; daughter Gina (Shawn) LaFaunge; granddaughters Krystal (Delton) Tills, Morgan (Nathan) Ransom, Mara (Darrin) Helgeson; grandsons Matt (Callie) LaFaunge and Jackson LaFaunge; great-grandchildren Christian, Scarlett, Dazie, Maribel, Juniper, Elsie; and siblings Mary (Jerry) McNulty and Robert (Judy) Kostohryz. 

     He is preceded in death by parents Adolph and Phyllis Kostohryz; son Richard Kostohryz; in-laws Kenneth and LaVerne Frantz; and siblings Donald Kostohryz, John Kostohryz and Janice Severson.

     A celebration of life will take place June 25 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at McSweet’s Irish Pub in Black River Falls. Please join us in remembrance of an amazing man and share your favorite memories with the family.

     The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231.