IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Carla Koslowsky
A celebration of life for Carla Jean Koslowsky, 75, who died peacefully March 25, 2024, at her home in Hillsboro, was 1 p.m. March 30, 2024, at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church.
Pastor Tom Byford officiated. Her family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. March 29 at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
She was born March 5, 1949, at Salem Hospital (now Main Street Ministries) in Hillsboro to Eli and Edna (Koop) Suderman.
She was welcomed by older brother Don and had an older brother Larry who was stillborn. The family later added sister Krista and brother Lyle.
She grew up on the family farm and did chores such as feeding chickens, gathering and packing thousands of eggs, feeding hogs and cattle, and milking the cow — probably her least favorite. She learned to operate a tractor and drive a grain truck.
She attended Ebenfeld School for grades 1 to 5 and Hillsboro schools for grades 6 to 12.
Carla was a member of various school organizations but was happiest when she was playing her French horn in the band, singing, or playing piano for various singing groups.
She met Kenneth A. Koslowsky when she was a sophomore in high school and he was a graduating senior.
Their first date was in May, 1965, when they went to hear Red Harper at Youth for Christ in McPherson.
During high school, she began working as a receptionist for Dr. George Ens.
She graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1967, and then she attended Tabor College for two years, majoring in business education.
Carla attended Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, accepted Jesus as her savior, and was baptized there as a young girl.
She became a member of the Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church after she and Ken were married.
Carla and Ken were united in marriage June 27, 1969, at Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church.
One month after their wedding, they left to serve with Mennonite Central Committee. They went to Brussels, Belgium, for language study and then to their assignment in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
They worked at the Kivuvu leprosy hospital with Dr. Wayne Myers. Carla did secretarial work during their time at Kivuvu.
After returning to Hillsboro in 1972, Carla returned to work for Dr. Ens. In addition to her receptionist duties, she also helped dispense pharmaceuticals and assisted with minor procedures in the office.
She completed two more years at Tabor College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1974.
She and Ken owned the popular Dari-Ette Drive-In in Hillsboro from 1975 through 1978.
She worked for Dr. Ens until his retirement in 1987. Carla then worked for Dave and Carol Breese at Christian Destiny in Hillsboro for several years. She was responsible for correspondence and enjoyed learning how to use computers.
On Dec. 23, 1978, they were proud to welcome their only child, Diana Rae.
Since Ken was an accountant, they formatted Diana’s birth announcement as a tax return, showing the new dependent.
Carla took piano lessons from a young age, continuing through high school.
She had a gift for music that she shared generously, playing for countless weddings, funerals, and other special events.
In eighth grade, she started as an accompanist for the Ebenfeld church choir. That began a long career of playing for many groups including Hillsboro High School mixed chorus, the Tabor College freshman sextet and college choir, Parkview Quartet, Musical Ministries trio, and Lighthouse Quartet.
Her musical talents were enjoyed by the congregations at Ebenfeld M.B. Church, Parkview M.B. Church, and Zion Lutheran Church.
Her accomplished musical style was loved and appreciated by so many people. It was her joy, her comfort, and her gift.
Carla was an active volunteer throughout her life.
She served her church as a pianist, organist, music committee member, and social committee member.
She enjoyed participating in groups such as the Hillsboro Young Mothers Club and Parkview Church King’s Daughters.
She helped King’s Daughters with a fundraiser making homemade noodles to sell at the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair.
When the group stopped doing this fundraiser, Carla took it over as an individual. She added homemade zwieback (traditional German dinner rolls) and New Year’s cookies (raisin fritters) to the menu and was a popular Arts and Crafts Fair vendor for many years with these freshly made treats.
In February 2023, Carla was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Through tests and scans to determine exactly what was needed in terms of treatment, it was discovered that she also had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
She completed chemotherapy from June to September, 2023, and had a lumpectomy in October, 2023.
In December, 2023, it was determined that further treatment options were limited and risky, so Carla made the decision to forgo additional treatment to preserve quality of life.
A hallmark of Carla’s life was her quiet compassion for those who needed a helping hand or just needed a friend.
She shared her home with several young people who needed a place for a time. She provided transportation, meals, and support to many people. When she saw a need, she tried to fill it, expecting nothing in return.
Her talents, generosity, and selflessness will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Memorials to the Parkview Church Deacon Fund are being accepted in care of Jost Funeral Home, PO Box 266, Hillsboro KS 67063.