John Nicholas Kost, 99, of Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – John Nicholas Kost, age 99, Korean War Veteran, born in Grant Hospital in Chicago May 20, 1927 (the day Charles Lindbergh took off for Paris), the eldest of 4 boys born to John Andrew Kost and Josephine Marie Kost, nee May.

Educated in the Chicago Parochial School System he attended Little Flower, St Andrew and graduated from St. Rita Grammar School on the south side. Freshman year at St Rita High School, Sophomore and Junior years in the Augustinian Seminary at Oconomowoc, WI and graduated from the Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, New York in 1945.

Drafted for service in the United States Army in 1947, but this was delayed account of suffering an acute appendicitis attack. In January 1949 was drafted into the Army under President Harry S. Truman’s year-and-a-day plan. Basic training at Camp Breckinridge, KY and then assigned to the 2nd Division at Fort Lewis, WA. Released from Fort Lewis in January of 1950 and entered the Ready Reserves. Called to active duty for the Korean War in October 1950, departed from Fort Lawton in Washington and arrived in Korea in time for Christmas Day dinner. Assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Battalion (the Queen’s own). First combat fire on Valentine’s Day 1951. Wounded on June 11, 1951 and sent to the Swedish Red Cross Hospital in Pusan, Korea. Returned to unit in August and rotated back home to Fort Collins, CO for discharge into the Ready Reserves.Joined the Active Reserves in January 1952 and went on to serve a total of 32 years in the military, retiring as a MSG.

In 1947 met and became the best friend and companion of Miriam Ann (Mimi) Yanik and after a whirlwind romance of 15 years they were married at St. Rita of Cascia Church on the south side of Chicago on January 13, 1962.

Although they were never blessed with children they were blessed with the love and companionship of 5 wonderful dogs: Duffy, Fritzi, Mr. Tucker, Callie and Carly and 9 beautiful cats: Sylvester, Simba, Rosie, Sheba, Fender, Bambi, Munchkin, Winston and Scout.

John volunteered for 18 years as a Docent at Brookfield Zoo and loved every minute of it!Pre-deceased by his beautiful and loving companion and wife of 70 years, Miriam Ann, on 11-06-2017.John, who lived his life with warmth, wisdom and humor joined his beloved Creator on November 2, 2026.