OBITUARY FROM NW INDIANA TIMES, DECEMBER 10, 2013:

Robert D. Kostbade "Bob", age 88, a lifelong resident of Hobart, passed away December 8, 2013 after battling a lingering illness. He was born on August 23, 1925 in Hobart to the late Louis and Esther Kostbade. Bob retired from U.S. Steel Gary Works in 1986 after 31 years of service. He was drafted to the U.S. Army in 1943 and served his country until 1946. He attained the rank of Platoon Sargent at the age of 19, while serving in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. Bob was a member of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB). He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hobart, IN.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Clarabelle; two sons: Robert (Lynn) Kostbade and Gary (Christine) Kostbade; seven grandchildren: Natalie (Michael Shapiro), Kelly (Dave) Barrasas, Robert (Christine) Kostbade, David (Holli) Kostbade, Gary R. Kostbade, Colin R. Kostbade and Thomas C. Kostbade; and 17 great grandchildren: Jordan, Samantha, Jacob and Nicholas Farber, Taylor, Luke and Michael Shapiro, David Kostbade, Erin, Elizabeth, Jack, Zachary, Olivia and Ryan Barrasas, Peyton, Cole and Cash Kostbade; several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents: Louis and Esther Kostbade; brother, Kenneth; sisters: Bernice, (Charles) Moore, Ruth (John) Small, and Shirley (Edward) Hayslip; and two infant sons: Michael and Kent.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Pastor Gary Nagy officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation is being held Wednesday, December 11, 2013 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. Call (219) 942-2109 or visit us online at: www.Reesfuneralhomes.com

This information was obtained from: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nwitimes/obituary.aspx?pid=168441528.