Visitation:
Thursday, April 9, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Secor Funeral Home
202 W Maple Street
Willard, Ohio 44890
Service:
Friday, April 10, 2026
11:00 a.m.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
25 W Perry Street
Willard, Ohio 44890
Istrate "Ike" Costein of Willard, Ohio passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at St. Vincent's Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio. He was born August 13, 1952 to the late Pauline (Fratilla) & Nicholas Costein Jr.
Ike graduated from Willard High School in 1970. He held both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree from Bowling Green State University & was honored as an "Ohio Teacher of the Year for Career & Technology." His subject area was Chemistry. He retired from the Pioneer Career & Technology Center Shelby, Ohio, in 2013.
Ike was an active member of the St. Francis Xavier Church & Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his Willard Elks membership, traveling with his brother, Nick in general & to their Vegas residence in particular. Summer months found him at the cottage on Lake Erie, Huron, Ohio.
Ike is survived by his twin brother, Nicholas "Nick" Costein III, & many cousins.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 with Father Eric Mueller officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Willard, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, American Heart Association or American Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be left for his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Amanda Bardon - Apr 9, 2026
So sorry for your loss! I have a lot of find memories of him teaching at Pioneer!
Nicolas Muniz - Apr 9, 2026
Ike was my favorite teacher and he was also a great friend. He believed in me so much even when I didnt believe in myself. He was a shining light in my life and he was there for me when I needed a friend and help. If it wasn’t for Ike I wouldn’t be the man I am today. I’m very sorry for your loss .
gordon j. wendling - Apr 8, 2026
Nick, Cindy and my heart goes out to you, May God's eternal light shine upon him.
Cynthia Lewellen Branham - Apr 8, 2026
Nick and cousins, Please accept my condolences on Ike's passing. May our merciful Father grant you comfort and peace.
Sandra L Cleveland - Apr 8, 2026
Such great memories I have working next door to Ike! Such a brilliant man, and teacher. My condolences to Nick and the family.
Kathy Roberts - Apr 8, 2026
So sorry to hear of Ike’s passing. I worked with him long ago in the Providence Hospital Clinical Laboratory. He was a friendly, kind, and caring man. My sympathies to his family.
Donna Weaver - Apr 7, 2026
Nick so sorry to learn of Ike's passing. He was so nice. I enjoyed seeing him at the store and meeting my hubsand so they could talk of baseball. He will be missed but he is now at peace and with the zLord.
Rusty & Bonnie Kemper - Apr 7, 2026
So sorry to hear about Ike. We wish you and family comfort for the coming days and the hope cherished memories will bring you some peace.
JIM AND MARLENE HENRY - Apr 7, 2026
NICK AND COUSINS - SUCH A VERY SAD TIME. KNOWING HOW MUCH IKE CARED ABOUT HIS CHURCH AND EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM, LEAVES NO DOUBT HE RESTS IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD. HE WAS MY "ALWAYS THERE" CANTOR @SFX FOR YEARS. WHAT WONDERFUL, COMFORTING MEMORIES YOU WILL HAVE, NICK.
Marjean Huber - Apr 7, 2026
I'm sorry to hear of Ike's passing and Nick, i send my sympathy. I considered him both a great colleague and good friend.
Sister Diane Hay - Apr 7, 2026
Dear Nick and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Ike's death. My prayers of sympathy are with all. May you be comforted in the love God has for you.
Linda McFarland - Apr 7, 2026
So, so sorry for your great loss. Nick, you and Ike helped so much while we were at Pioneer. Senior Moments would have never got started without the two of you. What special memories . Nick, you have my deepest sympathy.
Peggy Opatken - Apr 7, 2026
I always liked Ike. He was in the choir and I played glute. He was always friendly when I'd see him around town , maybe at La camp. He had a great singing voice. May you rest in peace, Ike.
Jolynn Ware - Apr 7, 2026
Nick, I am saddened to read this today. There must be a great reunion of your mom and mine along with the arrival of Ike. Hugs
Kenneth Papay - Apr 7, 2026
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. I did not have as much contact with Ike as Becky did. I can tell you that Becky always had good things to say about working with Ike and enjoyed talking to him.
Elizabeth Maldonado - Apr 7, 2026
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Mr. Costein was my Chemistry teacher at Pioneer . I will cherish the memories of him singing at Christmas Midnight Mass. May God give you strength and comfort you during the days ahead ❤️🙏🏽
Rick Reed - Apr 7, 2026
I've known Ike since High School and his brother Nick s part of a coffee drinking crowd that would drink coffee in the old L&K Restaurant for hours until midnight on many occasions. We lost touch after I graduated High School and reconnected when FB came around. He was a pretty cool guy and will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to Nick and family!
Jim Dillon - Apr 7, 2026
Nick, I am saddened to learn of Ike's passing, and my heart goes out to you. I remember my high school days up at the lake, hanging out at your cabin, with you two and John. John and us younger friends were a bit on the wild side, you were supportive of us most of the time, and Ike was our conscience, trying to warn us about getting into trouble. I just lost my oldest sister last month and my oldest brother last year. It is hard, but we must all try to carry on. May God bless him, you and the rest of the family.
Barbara A Kaminski - Apr 7, 2026
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS - LOVE AND PEACE - BARBARA
Cheryl Depler - Apr 7, 2026
Nick and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss of Ike. He and you were always so kind, faithful men and instructors to those at Pioneer and to your community. My heart goes out to you. Blessings and strength to you during this time.
Anita Mitchell - Apr 7, 2026
Nick, it has been a good many years since I last saw you and Ike, but my recollection of two friends who exemplified the best as dedicated teachers is crystal clear. I am sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have counted you both as friends.
Anita Mitchell - Apr 7, 2026
Nick, it has been a good many years since I last saw you and Ike, but my recollection of two friends who exemplified the best as dedicated teachers is crystal clear. I am sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have counted you both as friends.
Sue andLee Salyers - Apr 7, 2026
Nick and all those who loved Ike, Our deepest sympathies. May Gods grace hold you and comfort you and give you peace. May the sweet memories you hold help to fill the hole left in your heart…. With Love, Sue and Lee Salyers
Gracie Dials - Apr 7, 2026
Nick and family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Doug Zimmerman - Apr 7, 2026
Ike cared for people in all areas of life. He patiently helped me into the computer age. When questioned in how to handle student issues, Ike would listen and then impart his wisdom, which always was positive. He was a great asset to the teaching profession at Pioneer and just a wonderfull God-fearing person.
Jeanie Watts, Palm Coast, Florida - Apr 7, 2026
Thinking of you all and praying for your comfort during this sad and difficult time. May God surround you with His love and give you peace.
candy and Gabe csikos - Apr 7, 2026
Ike will be missed by many. Hopeing family and friends will remember the good times. Rest in Peace dear cottage friend!
Jo Ann Ritchie - Apr 7, 2026
Nick, I’m sorry for the loss of dear Ike. I respected him so much as a teacher who sincerely cared about his individual students and as a genuine good person. He was an example to so many of his colleagues and certainly to his students. A lot of people wouldn’t think Ike and I had much in common, but we shared a lot of conversations on many subjects over the years that were sometimes insightful, sometimes howling at the moon, and sometimes just make each other laugh. I hope he (and you) have enjoyed your retirement years together and even though I can’t imagine the hole of losing a twin leaves, I know you’ll see each other again, being both such good men.
Jayne Dellinger - Apr 7, 2026
Nick, cousins and all loved ones, I am so sorry to hear about Ike's passing. I have so many great memories of all of our parents and us kids hanging out on any given Sunday or climbing in the station wagon and heading to the lake. Those were the best memories! My prayers are with all of you and may Ike rest in peace 🙏
Jamie Wagers - Apr 7, 2026
Ike changed my life! He was an angel on Earth and will continue to do his work on the other side. I had the honor of being one of his students and if not for his care I am not sure where life would have lead. He will never be forgotten. The world needs more Ike's.
Michael Follett - Apr 7, 2026
Ike was a wonderful man and his dedication to the education of our students here at Pioneer Career and Technology Center was unmatched. He was a true servant of God and a mighty prayer warrior for both Nancy and I as we battled cancer. Rest in peace.
Laurie & Dutch Fitzwater - Apr 7, 2026
Nick - so very sorry for your loss. Ike was cantor at our Wedding. I fondly remember the fun lake house from many years ago. Prayers for peace…
Linda Veletean - Apr 7, 2026
Nick I truly believe Ike is singing in heaven as you read this. What a truly wonderful man who loved his church, his life and his family. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him. God just added another angel. Prayers for you Nick, and for all who knew and loved him.
Sandi (King) O’Brien - Apr 7, 2026
Nick I am so sorry to hear of Ike’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and educator God Bless
Jerry and Ruth Klenke - Apr 7, 2026
Our love has always been shared with Ike and Nick We have spent many years traveling to many destinations and much time in Henderson, Nevada. The many laughs we have shared. Ike will always be with us in our hearts.
Mike and Lisa Steiner - Apr 7, 2026
God has called one of His angels home. We will always cherish the friendship we shared with Ike and hold close the many beautiful memories we made together.
Mike and Lisa Steiner - Apr 7, 2026
God has called one of His angels home. We will always cherish the friendship we shared with Ike and hold close the many beautiful memories we made together.
Lynn cooke - Apr 7, 2026
This makes me so sad. Ike was a wonderful co-worker and friend. He was an excellent instructor, always willing to go extra for the students, and for our science team. His kind nature will always be remembered. I’m so sorry, Nick, for your loss. With love, Lynn Cooke
Jackie Eckstein - Apr 7, 2026
I am very overwhelmed with sadness with the news about Ike. What a wonderful person and dear friend. He was such an important presence in educating his students. I know for a fact how much he truly cared for them all and they really respected him. A man of honor. Can’t say enough about how special he was to so many people, especially his brother Nick. They had a very special bond. My prayers for peace for Ike and comfort for Nick. Remember all the good times you have had throughout your lives and all the tough times you have conquered. You will be remembered in my heart and prayers. God Bless your whole family.