Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, July 10, 2015, at 12:30 P.M., at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma, CA. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015, from 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA. with a Rosary at 6:00 P.M., at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. A reception will immediately follow the mass in the church hall. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Rohnert Park.
Mark A. Kostielney, former Director of Health Services for Sonoma County, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2015, after a courageously fought battle with cancer.
He was born on December 24, 1948 in Sturgis, MI to Al and Anne Kostielney. As a youngster, his family moved to California, finally settling in Hollister.
Mark attended Humboldt State University and Golden Gate University.
In 1981, Mark moved to Rohnert Park with his wife, Marcia, and children.
Mark had a passion for public service. It was not by accident that he dedicated 32 years of his working life to public service. During those 32 years, he worked for several counties in California, in a variety of management roles, with the focus of improving and protecting the health of the public and delivering services to people who needed them the most. But, his service did not end there.
As a faithful Catholic, he was a founding member of St. Eliz! abeth Seton Parish in Rohnert Park. He served there as Parish Council President, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society, Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Together with his wife, Marcia, he served as youth minister, positively influencing the lives of many youth. Presently, he was a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Petaluma.
Mark was devoted to his family, proud of his childrens’ accomplishments and especially loved spending time with his two grandsons, particularly their trips together to Graeagle.
Mark was an avid fisherman, hunter, loyal SF Giants fan, and a voracious reader. Despite his quiet demeanor, Mark had a keen sense of humor and sharp wit.
Mark is preceded in death by his brother, Brian and is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marcia, his daughters, Kristin Kostielney of Long Beach, Brianne Kostielney of Alameda, Erin Baker (John) of San Rafael; grandchildren, Ian and Sean Baker; parents, Al and Anne Kostielney of Hollister; brothers, Kevin Kostielney (Becky), Blaise Kostielney (Mary) of Hollister, and Matthew Kostielney (Andrea) of Redding; sister, Toni Howell of Hollister; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.