Memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Rd. Private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

The Honorable Robert “Bob” Kostelka, age 92, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 10, surrounded by love and the legacy of a life well lived.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a respected jurist and public servant; and a man whose strength, integrity, and warmth left a lasting mark on all who knew him. Throughout his life, he was guided by a deep sense of duty, fairness, and commitment to doing what was right.

Bob dedicated much of his life to public service, serving as the District Attorney and District Court Judge of the 4th Judicial District Court for Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes, a Judge on the Louisiana 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals from 1998-2003, and ultimately finished his career serving as a Louisiana State Senator from 2003-2016. His integrity, legal wisdom, and principled leadership also earned him a nomination by President George H. W. Bush to the United States District Court in 1992, reflecting the deep respect he commanded throughout his career. He was honored for his life and career of service by his peers when he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2022.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob was, above all else, a family man. He remained steadfastly the “man of the house,” a protector and provider whose presence brought a sense of security, steadiness, and love. He served his community as a YMCA football coach, boy scout leader, Louisiana Law Institute member and Sunday school teacher. He was a warm and devoted father who led by example and instilled values of integrity, hard work, and faithfulness to his family.

Bob found deep joy in travel, especially journeys out West. Montana held a special place in his heart—the mountains, the open skies, and the sense of peace and freedom they brought him. Those landscapes reflected his own spirit: strong, grounded, and enduring.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the justice he upheld and the service he gave, but in the lives he touched at home and beyond. His family will forever cherish his wisdom, steady guidance, stories, and the love that anchored them through generations.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Felicia Kostelka; his children Kathryn Lemoine, William “Bill” Kostelka (Donna), Carol Gros (Terry), and Claire Texada (Chase); his grandchildren Evan Kostelka (Caroline), Katie Collandreau (Pierre) and Collins Marie Texada; his great-grandchildren Cooper, Molly, Carter, Eleanore, and Madeleine; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply and remember him always.

He was predeceased by his first wife Bobbie, son Clif, sister Billie and countless friends and associates.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Bob lived a full and honorable life, and that he now rests in peace, reunited with those who went before him. His legacy will continue to live on through the family he loved, the values he passed down, and the countless lives he influenced through his service and example