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Donald Kotula Obituary
Donald Leonard Kotula
Donald Leonard Kotula, age 78 of Prior Lake, MN passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on January 20, 2024.
Don was born on October 1, 1945, in Hibbing, MN to Leonard and Doreen (nee: Rolando) Kotula. Don worked for Northwest Airlines, Ziegler, and in 1981 opened and operated Northern Tool and Equipment, which now has 140 stores.
Don is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Ryan (Traci), Wade (Susan), and Josie (John) Tabaka; grandchildren, Seth, Kaeden, Carson, Natasha, Cameron, and Dani Lynn; siblings, Rosanne (James) Campbell, Kathy Kotula (David Fronk), Tony (Ruth), Linda (Alan) Radika, Al (Connie), Leonard David (Raisa), also by nieces, nephews, other family, and many friends.
Funeral Service will be held 12 PM Friday January 26, 2024 at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Rd NW., Prior Lake, MN with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at church. Private Interment, Credit River Catholic Cemetery, Credit River, MN. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Alzheimer's Association, Attn: donor services, 225 N Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 6061, in Memory of Don; also JDRF.org, and The Northern Tool Foundation/Tools for the Trade Attn: Accounts. Receivable, 2800 Southcross Drive West, Burnsville MN 55306. A special thank you to all the dedicated caregivers who took such great care of Don.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Kotula
3 Entries
Carol Wilsey
February 8, 2024
Dear Judy and family,
I am so sorry -- I just heard about Don's passing. He was an amazing businessman and I loved being able to work with him while he was here in SW Florida. I will never forget his indefatigable spirit and his passion. He will be fondly remembered. Carol Wilsey, Exceptional Properties
Dan Kaufman
January 27, 2024
My condolences to the Kotula family.
I have worked for NTE for 8 years. Been in retail for 37 years. Like Don, I started at Wards. I'm grateful to Don for starting a company that still embraces a culture that listens to the customer and treats a customer in a special way. The success of NTE is testament to how he lived that culture.
What an amazing story and an amazing man. I feel very fortunate to be part of what he established.
Richard Kotula
January 24, 2024
My cousin Don alway looked out for family. If my mother ever needed anything, Don was there to help. He helped me to attain my Registered Nursing degree. Many fond memories that will last forever. May God greet you with open arms.
Rick
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for Donald Kotula
Funeral services provided by:
White Funeral Home - Burnsville12804 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN 55337
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