James 'Jim' W. Kotek
James "Jim" W. Kotek, 89, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at his home with his family. He was born July 14, 1931, to Adeline (Arentz) and Frank Kotek, on Middle Ridge. He attended grade school at St. Peter's Catholic School on Middle Ridge and then attended Cashton High School. On Oct. 20, 1951, he married Doris Ann Braschler at St Mary's Catholic Church in Bangor. The next spring he started farming. He loved farming and cared for his crops and cattle. He loved to plant and harvest the corn and would study the farm magazines for new ideas. In his later years he cared for and enjoyed his shorthorns and Angus cattle and enjoyed being a top producer when he sold his cattle. He was a wonderful husband and father and loved and cared for his family.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doris; and his sons, Jeffrey (Pam) of Decorah, Iowa, James Jr. (Carol) of West Salem, Jonathan of West Salem and Jared (Jenny) of Harmony, Minn.; a daughter, Julie of Dallas, Texas; 16 grandchildren, Crystal (John) Morgan, Sam, Jon (Renee), Janet (Mark), Kortney (Nick) Getter, Elizabeth (Tom) Jostad, Margaret, Jason, Carissa, Justina (Brody) Wandling, Jennifer (Kevin) Hinrichs, Bethany, Katryna, Michael, Erica and Jacob; 16 great-grandchildren, Levi, Maddie, Donovan, Delaney, Landon, Livia, Kora, Connor, Kaylyn, Victoria, Vera, Jeffrey, Frank, Evan, Jenna and Maycn; two sisters-in-law, Alice Kotek and Jean Kotek; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wilfred and Elmer; and a sister, Lillian Kaiser.
A private family service will he held Saturday, Jan. 16, with burial in the Burns Cemetery. The Fossum Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.fossumfuneralhome.com.
The family offers special thanks to the Mayo Dialysis Unit in Onalaska, for their tender loving care for the past 3 ½ years.