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Gregory Kot Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Kot
Pamelann (Quamme) Schulte
December 17, 2019
Dear Kot Family: Greg hired me at Allen-Bradley right out of the graphic design program of MATC in Madison. I was so grateful to have work at such a fine establishment and I learned many skills under his direction. I made many friends there and received an amazing bon voyage from Greg when I left for the Persian Gulf. So many laughs to get me through very tough times and unchartered waters. It has been many years since I have seen Greg but once in a while I have prayed for his well being. Recently I have been bombarded with thoughts of him and decided I needed to pray for him. I have a great devotion for the Holy Souls and decided I would pray for his deceased loved ones on his behalf. Sort of a way to get more accomplished. For the last 2 months when I saw a license plate with GK on it I would pray Eternal rest prayer. The odd thing is it would always come out for the repose of Gregs soul and I would frustratingly correct myself. Yesterday, I had some time and he came to mind. So out of curiosity I decided to see if I could find an obituary for him. I never thought this would be the case but to my great shock it is true. It has been 13 years since he has passed and I am very sorry for your loss despite how much time has lapsed. If you get this correspondence, please know that I have arranged to have Gregorian Masses to be said for Greg through the Diocese of La Crosse Missions Office. I would normally have a letter sent regarding this but have no contact information in which to be able to send it. You may contact Marga or Father Woody at the Missions Office of the LaCrosse Diocese if you would like more information. May God be with you. Eternal rest grant unto Greg and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he Rest In Peace. Pamelann Schulte
Fred Ciske
May 17, 2007
Greg was the guy who had me laughing to tears as the surly clown one Halloween at the Camaraderie and who let me and Phil jam on harmonica with him on the front porch even though we couldn't really keep up. He brought a scream of delight to Peg, sitting next to me at the Varsity show, by dedicating Supertramp's 'Downstream' to her and singing it, playing it on piano with incredible feeling. His artwork was as beautiful as his music and although he had a hard time accepting praise, the reality is that he enjoyed these things and he inspired me and those who knew him. I wish I could have fished with him in Three Lakes once more. I'm saddened and I'll miss him.
Lynn Bracegirdle
April 24, 2007
I knew Greg from my our days in Horan Hall at UWEC. I just heard of his passing from the the UWEC web site. Greg was always had an even keeled temperament no matter what was going on in your life or his. I enjoyed the late night discussion sessions. Yes, he was a great artist. Better yet, he was a great guy who will be missed by all.
Lynn Bracegirdle
Eagan, MN
Mike Gonzo
February 22, 2007
Dear Kot family and friends of Greg
I was shocked and saddened today while reading the UW-Eau Claire Alumni newsletter to hear of Greg's untimely passing. Kotter was a great friend and possessed exceptional creative talent.
I have countless memories from our college years and the many late nights in the fine arts building (or Water Street). As Phil Belair mentioned, his cartoon work for the campus newspaper "Spectator" was fantastic! I always thought he’d hookup with a major newspaper after school.
When Greg went to work for Allen-Bradley, and later on Rockwell, I was was lucky to have him as a freelance artist. I remember the day he called me to say he was finally going to quit the “day job” to take on illustrating full-time. On one particular occasion, I asked Kotter to create a series of illustrations for six separate posters. He sent the artwork, and I promptly had everything printed. A couple weeks later he calls me to ask how I liked the sketches and if he could begin working on the final art. When I told him I thought the sketched “were” the final art and the job was already printed he was mortified. That’s how good Greg’s art was. Even his sketches were great.
Kotter was one in a million and I’ll miss him.
Mike Gonzo
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Laurie Sciano (Treichler)
December 12, 2006
The Kot Family
I was deeply saddened by the news about Greg. Greg was actually my first true "guy friend" -- a real friend. No matter how many years would go by without seeing him, we could get together and pick up where we left off. I have thought of him often and regret not spending more time with him in more recent years. He was truly a blessing to this world and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. As he would say, "see in the clouds."
Mark Brenner
November 29, 2006
Dear June, Nubs, and Laura,
I want to apologize for taking so long to write this. I had knee surgery a few days after learning of Greg's death and have been laid up for a while. I am doing fine now, but I still grieve for Greg every day.
As you know, my friendship with Greg goes back about 40 years to grade school at St. Als. Over that time our friendship and contact has ebbed and flowed: great friends in grades school; drifting apart in high school; good friends again when he lived with Tom Holman and Dave Dubis after high school; drifting apart again when I moved to Seattle; and most recently getting together every fall since the death of his dad. I feel so fortunate to have seen Greg only about 2 weeks before his death. Greg, Gary Dunn, Jim Kostneko, Mike Sanger, Andy Schaser and I had some great laughs that night at his apartment.
Greg was perhaps the most talented person I have ever known: highly intelligent; an artist; an athlete; a musician; a great fishermen; Greg could do everything. It would be easy to be jealous of him, but I never was because he was so humble and likeable. What I will miss most about him was his ability to make me laugh. I remember one time in sixth grade when he got me laughing so hard that I could not stop and the nun had to sit me by myself in the corner at the front of the room. Soon after, I looked back at Greg and that was all it took to set me off again, resulting in a hard slap across my face from the nun.
Some of my other favorite memories:
Many memories from the St. Als basketball team including the sleepover at your house and the entire team (10 kids) cramming into Coach Weis’ car to go to practice.
Going to Halloween with Greg in Eau Claire with him in costume as the Pope.
Going to the Florida keys with him and Dave Dubis over spring break, snorkeling and catching shrimp. Greg brought home an entire cooler of shrimp he caught by hand with a net.
Taking him fishing when he came to visit me in college at Steven Point. This was before he had honed his fishing skills, and he had made a cast and the entire front section of his rod had traveled with the lure into the river. He was standing looking at the scenery, oblivious to his rod section in the water as he retrieved his lure, and could not understand why the rest of us were laughing at him. I never let him forget that!
Watching the Brewers playoff-clinching last game of the season at your house, and the two of us running outside screaming at the top of our lungs after the final out.
Celebrating with Greg and Nubs in the streets of downtown Milwaukee after the Brewers won the pennant, and then the two of us going to two World Series games. (they won both games but lost the Series).
Going muskie fishing with him at Pewaukee Lake soon after the death of his dad. It had been a long time since I had seen him, yet it felt like we had we had never missed a beat.
I also wanted to mention that I really enjoyed coming and seeing you at your house on my recent trip to Wisconsin in October. I was so glad Greg took me over to see you. It brought back many good memories to step back in your house after all these years. Greg cherished his family so much and would always tell me how much he loved going up to Three Lakes with everyone. I will miss him tremendously as I know you all do.
Mark Brenner
Gary Dunn
November 22, 2006
There are different stages in the grieving process.One is denial.
I see myself taking longer with that stage than possibly others will in regards to Greg’s passing.
Quite simply ( and selfishly I’ll add), I wasn’t done having good times with Greg.
I and 4 other friends from grade and high school got together at Greg’s apartment less than 3 weeks
prior to learning this news.We got to see his latest art work and heard what he planned to make next.
Greg also said he would come along with myself and Andy Schaser to ice fish at our northern WI cabin during the holiday break.
Thankfully I have over 40 years of knowing Greg to draw on for memories.
Here is one of those moments witnessed by only a few at the time:
Greg lived with Dave Dubis in the upper flat of a house owned by Tom Holman on Milwaukee’s south side in the late 70’s.
On New Year’s Day of 1979 (I think) I was on the back porch talking with Dave or Tom in the mid morning.
It was a cold day and a considerable amount of snow had fallen the previous New Year’s eve.
Tom had just finished shoveling the snow into a large pile on the patio.The snow was light and loose.
Suddenly there came a rebel yell from the up the stairs followed by the sound of Greg bounding down the steps.
We instantly knew what he would do so we stepped back to “clear the way”.Greg blasted open the door,ran across the porch,down the steps
and dove into the snow pile wearing only his “tidy whities”.For what seemed an eternity to us he lay motionless, completely covered with snow except for his ankles and feet.Then he jumped up,shook himself off and said “I don’t know why I did that”.
I’ll never forget the shocked look he had with snow still stuck to his eyebrows and around his face.
Thanks for the memories Greg.My condolences to the Kot family.
Gary Dunn
Kathy Degnan
November 21, 2006
Dear Kot Family,
I was shocked and saddened by the news of Greg's death. Greg was my first real boyfriend back in 8th grade at St. Alphonsus. I will never forget walking home from school with him, holding hands, him smiling at me through his braces. He was a very talented artist and a sweet guy. I haven't seen or spoken to him since 1971 but I often thought of him and wondered what became of him. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cherie Triba
November 21, 2006
Dear Kot Family. I, too, worked with Greg at Allen-Bradley for many years. He made it some of the best and most fun times. I am deeply saddened by this loss. He was such a great talent. I will remember him fondly.
Barbara Cooper
November 20, 2006
Dear Kot Family,
While Greg's passing is a loss for you and his many friends, we can all feel truly blessed for having known him. During his life, he was a shining example of kindness, compassion, humor and creativity. He was indeed a gentle man.
We worked together at Allen-Bradley for many years and then he launched his own business. A year later, when I began my business, he was my guide and best cheerleader. I still have the bottle of champagne that he brought to me on "my first day." He was also the reason I got my first client since he was doing work for Harley and saw an opportunity for me.
He was never too busy or too tired to listen, encourage, guide, humor and understand...he was a true friend.
Not only did he touch my life, but also my heart.
In sympathy,
Martha Drake
November 20, 2006
Aunt June, Nubs and Laura: I am suddenly struck by the shortness of this salutation. It sounds funny and feels so odd not to include Uncle Norb, Aileen and Greg in your family chain of names. I feel your loss and understand the unfairness of it all. Just know that we are all family and will support you in this time of need. I love you, Martha Pleasant Drake
Dave Dubis
November 20, 2006
Dear Kot Family,
God surely has a need for some artwork...likely a satire of some angels. He has called on Greg to return for something better than here. While all of us who knew Greg share your sense of loss...the truth is he is not really gone, for he will live on in the memories of all of us who he has touched and who loved him.
From grade school, through high school and as roomates there are too many great memories to list. Surely there will be a void. We all will miss Greg. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
William Roberts
November 20, 2006
:(
Beverly Scheels
November 20, 2006
Dear Kot Family & Friends —
How do I write about someone so amazing? I was and am blessed to have held Greg in my heart since about September of 1981, when I first met him at school in Eau Claire. Although we never spent a lot of time around each other after graduation, his presence was there somehow during many significant moments of my life – when he spun his magic and got me out of a graphic design jam in one of my first jobs – when I bought my first house, it turned out it was actually his sister, Laura’s and her husband’s home! --when I began my job at Harley-Davidson and discovered I worked with close friends of him & his brother (I think this was the about the time he accused me of stalking him) – when I happened to spot a newspaper photo of him holding a huge muskie pulled from somewhere near my parent’s house on Pewaukee Lake (when I then accused HIM of stalking ME)…
Greg was someone you always wanted to have around; he felt like a legend. He was talented, smart, warm, and incredibly fun. I owe about 50% of the crow’s feet I now sport to him and to the hours he made my face wrinkle up with laughter. When he & Custer walked into a room together, you knew you had a great night ahead of you and you only hoped you had the stamina to keep up. One of the first questions I began asking then and continued asking any time I was lucky enough to be back with our group of friends was “Is Kotter coming?”
He was loved deeply by all of us; this comes as a shock none of us were ready to bear. I’m praying continuously for you and for strength to be given you—just as I wish it for me and for my friends. With my deepest sympathy --
Tom Pantera
November 19, 2006
Dear Kot family:
Greg was simply one of the most amazing, best people I've ever met. As talented as he was artistically, what I remember most about him was that when you talked to him, he always made you feel as though there was no one else in the world he would have rather been with at that moment. He was so thoroughly decent that it was impossible not to like him immediately.
And, of course, there were his many artistic talents. One of my most prized possessions from college is a hilarious caricature Greg did of me. He based it on one of those old Orson Welles Paul Masson adds and it was, of course, spot on, in addition to displaying that inimitable Kotter sense of humor.
As a father, I can pay him this high compliment: I hope my kids have grown up to be just like him. He was a beautiful man.
Dawn Parker
November 18, 2006
Dear Aunt June, Nubs and Laura,
Words can simply not cover the profound nature of your loss. Please know that all the girls in the family are thinking of you and your family during the difficut time. We were so glad that Paula could be there in person, but we were all present in our thoughts and prayers.It is great to read what a legacy Greg has left behind. I wish I had had more time to know Greg. He sounds like the kind of guy that everyone was touched by that he came in contact with. I smiled reading some of the entries in this book. I think he would have liked that. All of my warmest thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Cheryl Cofrin
November 18, 2006
To the Kot Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the future. Greg and I hadn't seen each other in a long time, but through family and friends I would hear how his special talents touched so many lives. In high school Greg and I and the class of 1975 shared many memoriable experiences that will stay in my heart always. When I remember Greg, I think of that look in his eyes, like he held "THE SECRET" and it poured out in his music, art ,sence of humor and his soft spoken ,loving way. I will miss him.
Cheryl Heinlein Cofrin
Murmurwood, Clam Lake, WI
Gerald Conner
November 17, 2006
I agree with Phil Belair. Greg Kot was the best cartoonist the UW-Eau Clair Spectator ever had. I still have one of his cartoons framed and I'll keep it forever. Although I had did not have any contact with Greg after he graduated, he has a very special place in my memory of those old days at the Spectator. A great guy who had left us far too early. My best to his family.
Gerald "Jerry" Conner
Spectator Advisor
Associate Professor Emeritus
UW-Eau Clair
Jeff Roush
November 17, 2006
An artist, a musician, an athlete, and a creative personality all combined with a contagious smile and laugh, resulting in one fine human being. With all those talents and attributes, Greg still remained humble and an easy person to share anything with. I have not seen Greg for quite a few years but that is how I will always remember him. He once made a characture of me that I still have and will always cherish. I am proud to have a couple of Greg Kot originals and they are displayed in my office at home. The class of 1975 has lost a truely special person and I send his family, friends and loved ones my deepest condolences.
Mike Treske
November 17, 2006
From the moment I met Greg ( in 7th grade flag football), I knew he was someone special. Even at such an early stage in life, there was a quiet confidence that Greg carried throughout his life. His talents as an artist and musician were obvious to all, and I am very blessed to have been a participant of the original rendition of "The Greendale High School Blues" as a member of the Debonair Blues Band.
Of course, it was fully created by Greg, and we just kind of filled in.
Like so many others, my memories are deep, forever lasting, and incredibly meaningful. I am thankful for the many laughs, and blessed to have Greg as a friend.
Chris Perenchio Hanson
November 17, 2006
June, Nubs and Laura,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Greg. Greg was a very special person and a inspiration to every one who had the pleasure of spending time with him. I especially remember Greg's sense of humor and how he could light up a whole room! My mom, sisters and me extend our sincere and deepest sympathies for your loss. Greg remains in the hearts many.
Carol Heinlein Plotkowski
November 17, 2006
Freshman year at Greendale Highschool in 1971 an unknown male leaned over my shoulder and whispered in a deep soft voice "may I please borrow a pencil?" From that day forward Greg was an immediate and forever friend of mine. He escorted me to our Junior Prom, which I still have a picture of; dressed in our prom finest. I hold it dear to my heart. His ledgendary talent for music and art touched me and all around him. Greg painted pictures on a coconut of our times together and it followed me from Wiconsin to Florida reminding me of the special times we shared. It was a symbol of his unique qualities and true talent. Greg has and always will hold a special place in my heart. I will miss him.
My heartfelt condlences to his lovely family.
With Love, Carol Heinlein Plotkowski and family (who knew Greg from my stories and loved him because he touched my life in such a special way).
Adams Cabins
November 17, 2006
Our thoughts and Prayers our with you during this difficult time.
Nora Paape
November 16, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Greg's passing. He and I had kept in touch over the years and he was an unwavering friend. I will miss our many long conversations and will remember well our Muskie Hunting adventure. My deepist sympathy.
Linda Kalister
November 16, 2006
Dear Aunt June, Nubs, and Laura, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Greg. You have truly had too much to bear, and my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days ahead. I'm pleased that Paula was able to be there to represent the Pleasant girls, since the rest of us are so far away.
Love
Linda Pleasant Kalister
Scott Winston
November 16, 2006
Dear Kot Family,
I am very sorry to learn of your loss. My most sincere prayers are with you at this difficult time. Greg was an inspiration to me in my youth growing up in Greendale. His artistic talent impacted how I have opened myself up to art in this wide world. His gift has touched many and he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Scott Winston
Dave
November 16, 2006
Greg and I had a couple of drawing and design classes together at UWM in the late 1970's. I recall he was a very talented artist, far better than most.
I ran into Greg by chance about a year ago at a gas station near Milwaukee after all this time. We laughed because at first neither of us recognized the "old guy" standing in line next to us.
I am very sad to hear of his passing. Deepest condolences to his family.
Randy Gosda
November 16, 2006
Dear Family and Friends of Greg Kot,
Greg will always hold an especially warm place in my heart. I smile when I think of him, and the amazingly great times we had together in Eau Claire. He had many gifts, and a great laugh. His raised eyebrow and twinkling eye was the hint of an incredibly funny episode to come. And you waited to see exactly what would happen. Hanging out with Greg was a lot like the anticipation you felt on Christmas morning as a child. Something wonderful was going to happen. You just never knew exactly what. I'll never forget the smell of gallons of aftershave, flying spaghetti and watching Pee Wee's Playhouse for a week straight. Honestly - those are days that can never be replaced. Greg, I'm crying today -- but will surely laugh with you again down the road.
Randy
Jeff Custer
November 15, 2006
Dear Family and Friends of Greg:
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Greg's passing. Thought we had not been in touch for several years, I have always considered him to be one of the closest friends I have ever had. I can't think of college without thinking of him. My life is richer for having known him. My deepest sympathies.
Ron Schmidt
November 15, 2006
Dear Kot family, I'm sorry to hear of your loss, it is a loss for everyone who knew Greg. He is the one guy I've always thought of as a true Renaissance man. Intelligent, talented, sensitive, a natural artist, musician and skilled fisherman to boot. He will be remembered as all of that and so much more. Gonna miss ya Greg.
Ray Heyer
November 15, 2006
Dear Kot family I was one of Greg's buddies in high school we played football and used to party together in the park, Greg was a great guy and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. Ray Heyer
Chandler, Arizona
Phil Belair
November 15, 2006
Greg was a great friend, as well as an accomplished artist and designer– working for years as a Graphic Designer at Allen Bradley, and then freelancing for Harley-Davidson and other major Milwaukee companies. His first "big-time" job was as Editorial Cartoonist for the UW-Eau Claire Spectator (undoubtedly the best ever). He used that talent to draw caricatures of many prominent business leaders in the area. As well as being one of the best natural artists, he was also one of the funniest people we've ever known, gave us all great nick-names, and could crack you up with just a look. He also was an excellent musician, well-versed in both piano and harmonica (which he played at our wedding reception). Once Greg said a prayer to his aunt- Cha-Cha Mila and I caught my first (and only) keeper Muskie on Spirit Lake- Three Lakes, WI. He had a very big heart and would do anything to help you out.
He vacationed with his mom and dad for over the last two decades on that same lake, with the Kots outfishing everyone at Adam's Cabins on a regular basis.
My wife Sue and I were fortunate to count him as a close friend since our days together at UW-Eau Claire. We are blessed to have known him and he has left us with wonderful, indelible memories. He will always be my fishing buddy.
Dana Vaughan
November 15, 2006
Laura and the Kot family, I am so sorry and surprised to hear about Gregg's death. He was an important part of my youth and I will remember him with admiration and a smile. My sincere sympathy is with you and your families.
Bill Burch
November 15, 2006
I 'm so sorry Greg has left us. There have been so many people that Greg has affected
throughout his life. He definitely made an impression on me as one who was creative
with art, music and wonderful humor. Greg's enormous talent of expression brought joy
and happiness to everyone I knew. What will be missed most of all about Greg and, will
always be the impetus for my craft is the illustration and design skill which Greg is known
for. He was a guidepost for anyone who loved art and was regarded as a natural with pen
and ink. Greg had an amazing talent for capturing the moment in his illustrations which
always carried a message... which usually was satirical in nature but could convey most
any emotion through the stroke of his pen or brush. Musically, Greg was a talented keyboard
player and his vocal ability unwaivering. So many wonderful talents, so much emotion
and love all wrapped up one human being. I and so many others will miss you.
Dan Neuwald
November 15, 2006
Deepest Sympath. The picture you painted of me riding the beast still hangs in an honored place.
Sue Ettinger (Collins)
November 15, 2006
Greg was the reason for my first trip to the principal's office. In eight grade, Greg sat in my desk for his math class and would leave me notes each day (written in pencil on my desk top) One day he drew a picture of Jimi Hendrix. We had a substitute one day who had a fit when she saw the desk and made me get a sponge and pail and wash the desk. I did wash everything off...EXCEPT the Jimi Hendrix. When she scolded me further I explained I couldn't wash it off...it was a work of art! Unfortunately, Sr. Henrietta didn't see it my way. Years later, at our 20th reunion, Greg and I were recounting stories of our friendship and that one came up. Three weeks later a package arrived at my house. It was a framed Greg Kot original pen and ink drawing of Jimi Hendrix with a special note inscribed. He will always be my favorite artist and I will love him and miss him forever! My deepest sympathy to his family!
Dolores Pleasant
November 15, 2006
My heart is breaking for you and my arms are wrapped around you in love and sorrow for the loss of your Greg. My girls and I will forever cherish the memories we have of him. We only wish we could be there with you. We love you so. Aunt Dolores and Cousins Linda (FL), Paula (IL), Martha (TX) and Dawn (WA).
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