Margaret Rose Kostman

Margaret Rose (Finn) Kostman, age 95, of Arthur, NE passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala, NE.

Margaret was born on April 16, 1930, to Harry and Lena (Kemp) Finn in Hyannis, NE. Margaret was the youngest with an older brother, Glenn, and sister, Atta.

Margaret and her family spent the first 5 years of her life on her father’s homestead south of Bingham, NE. Then he moved to Arthur community where Margaret attended grade school in various Arthur County schools and graduated from Arthur County High School in 1948.

Margaret received her first teaching certificate from normal training in high school, and her first teaching position was at the Jensen School District #9 in Arthur County.

On July 10, 1949, Margaret married Gordon Kostman in the Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE, and was confirmed at the church in 1950. Margaret and Gordon welcomed two children to their marriage, Karma and Kevin.

Margaret taught school intermittently for 36 years, teaching in Arthur, Brown, and Keith counties, while her husband was ranching. She retired from teaching in 1995 but continued substitute teaching for many more years.

Margaret greatly enjoyed working with her students. She enjoyed humor and laughing with them and being a friend. Seriousness was very important too, she felt there was a time for laughter and a time for seriousness.

Margaret was the NSRA Secretary for several years as well as secretary for the Arthur County Fair Rodeo, Arthur County High School Rodeo and was a member of the Retired Teachers & Delta Kappa Gamma organizations.

Gordon & Margaret helped organize the Arthur County High School Rodeo Club and Margaret received appreciation awards from Arthur Agricultural Society, the Arthur Roping Club and the high school Rodeo Club for her dedication to the programs. Gordan & Margaret served as the Grand Marshals at the 2003 Arthur County Fair. She was honored as Woman of the Year by Zeta Mu Sorority. Margaret received the Pack Bocker Award in 2013 and received recognition from the Rodeo Committee in 2015.

Margaret loved watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in 4-H shows, rodeos, and all sport activities and was so proud of all of their accomplishments. She enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge, and numerous board games while visiting and laughing with friends and family. Margaret had a tendency to “take a peak” at her neighbors cards and “pass the deal” to the next person.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at The Draucker Funeral Home Chapel from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In Ogallala, NE.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 20 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Reverend Timothy Steele II officiating in Ogallala, NE.

Interment will be at The Arthur Cemetery in Arthur, NE.

She is survived by her children, Karma Kramer of AZ, Kevin (Wendy) Kostman of Bingham, NE; in-law siblings, Francis (Dick) Geisert and Joan Scully, grandchildren, Tara (Brian) Bender of Kearney, NE, Tandi Porter of McCook, NE, Reed (Micki) Kramer of Arthur, NE, Cody (Lauren) Kostman of Bingham, NE and Kryn Kostman of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren, Kealy, Kayden, Kamry, Kyan, Bailee, Shaye (Keaton), Karstyn, Bentlee, Liam, Max, Riggin, and Josiea; great great-granddaughter, Porter; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordan Kostman; parents, Harry & Lena Finn; siblings and their spouses, Glenn (Iris) Finn and Atta (Wilson) McCarty; brother-in-law, Norman Kostman; grandson-in-law, Scott Porter.

Memorial can be made in Margaret’s name to The Arthur High School Scholarship fund.

Condolences may be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com.

Services will live-streamed and can be watched by going to www.drauckerfh.com and clicking the watch live button.

Draucker home has been entrusted with arrangements.