Barbara K. Kostelnik, 72, of Bethlehem, died on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Hospice House of St. Lukes. She was born May 2, 1937 in Hazleton; the daughter of the late John and Anna (Racho) Knoblauh. Barbara is survived by her husband of 50 years, George J. Kostelnik of Bethlehem. Barbara was a graduate of Liberty High School. She retired from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation as a Secretary in the Sales Department after 30 years of service and later served as a Secretary for Buffalo Specialty Products. Barbara was a parishioner of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, Bethlehem; formerly Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish. She served as President, Vice President and Financial Secretary for the Slovak Catholic Sokols Assembly 78 and Group 10 and she was a member of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter of Slovak Catholic Federation. Barbara was also a member of Silver Creek Country Club.

Survivors: She will be lovingly remembered by her family, husband George; twin sister, Bernice and her husband Ted Gacek of St. Augustine, Fla. and her brother Jack Knoblauh and his wife Rita Jean of Houston, Tex. Barbara is also survived by her seven nephews; three nieces; three great nephews; one great niece and one great-great niece. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Bernard.

Services: The family will receive friends on Friday, September 25, 2009 from 7-9 P.M. at Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem and again on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 9-9:30 A.M. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 10 A.M. at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Online condolences may be made at www.connellfuneral.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Published in Morning Call on Sept. 24, 2009