Timothy Sottek

1932 - 2024

Tim was born in Toledo, OH to Clement and Elizabeth Sottek. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Toledo and went on to receive a BS degree from the University of Notre Dame, class of 1954, and a MS degree from the South Dakota School of Mines; both in Geology. He also proudly served in the United States Army 1954-1956 supporting post WWII reconstruction efforts in Germany.

Tim spent his 30-year professional career with the US Federal Government in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in multiple roles. He began as a Food Inspection Agent, followed by a Drug Enforcement Agent, which included advising on stronger safety protocols within the pharmaceutical industry production and distribution systems to reduce abuse of prescribed medications; and finishing his career in the Bureau of Medical Devices continuing a focus on medical product safety.

Tim married the love of his life, Geraldine (Gerry) Schiehsl in 1955. They were a team who shared many blessings and adventures throughout their 66-year marriage. After several early job relocations Tim and Gerry finally settled in Rockville, MD with their four children and were active in St. Raphael Catholic Church and volunteering with the children's sports teams and extracurriculars. They later welcomed ten grandchildren and were present for each birth, baptism and special life events, and more recently welcomed three great grandchildren. Through the years there were many fun family summer trips to the cottage in Ocean City, NJ and the family lake house in Brooklyn, MI, all filled with many cousins and extended family who gathered year after year. Upon Tim's retirement in 1989, Tim and Gerry moved to Kingsmill in Williamsburg, VA. They became active parishioners at St. Bede Catholic Church, spent ample time enjoying golf and of course, cheering on the Fighting Irish football team. Tim, an avid golfer, and Gerry played many rounds together, with friends and in club competitions, with Tim taking home the Kingsmill Men's Senior Club Championship title in 1989, and he remained a very competitive player throughout his years there. During Tim and Gerry's 33 years in Kingsmill they also hosted many festive family holiday gatherings and frequent visits from their children and grandchildren, all of whom have numerous special memories of time spent in "the Burg" with Pop and Grammie. Pop will be forever loved and dearly missed.

Tim is survived by his children Daniel (Rita) Sottek and Karen (Frank) DeTrane; grandchildren T.C. Sottek, III, Kevin Sottek, Victoria Sottek, Daniel Sottek, Jr., Michael DeTrane, Katherine (Carter) Willcox, Julianna (Zach) Knapp, Joseph DeTrane, Anthony (Laura) DeTrane and Maria DeTrane; great grandchildren Savannah and Cooper Willcox and Noah Knapp; brothers Edward (Ann) Sottek and Clement Sottek, Jr., sister Katherine Redman and many special nieces and nephews.

Tim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Geraldine Sottek, daughter Susie Sottek, son Timothy (Sue) Sottek, Jr. and brother Reverend James Sottek.

A Funeral Mass will be held August 9, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8200 Robert E. Lee Drive, Spotsylvania, VA 22551. A burial service will follow at 12:30 pm at Quantico National Cemetery 18424 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Autism Society of America at www.autismsociety.org, if desired. Timothy Sottek, Sr.