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James Kotlarek Obituary
JAMES D. KOTLAREK MAY 21, 1934 - SEPT. 19, 2003
James D. Kotlarek, 69, of Modesto, lost his brave five year battle with cancer Friday, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born and raised in Duluth, MN, where he met and married his high school sweetheart.
Jim was a Navy veteran who later worked in the metal container industry for 38 years. His work eventually brought him to Modesto 26 years ago where he retired from Silgan Containers in 1998.
Jim was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his son fishing. He enjoyed music and had a great singing voice. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit that brought a smile to anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path through the years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, of 49 years; his son, Tim (Robin), and granddaughter, Shawna (Carl) Walden of Modesto; his daughter Diane (Gordon) Shinn, and grandsons, Josh and Kyle of Maumee, OH; and his sister, Mary Jasperson of Big Bear Lake, CA.
There will be no visitation, and a private family service is being held.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The American Cancer Society, 1604 Ford Ave., Suite 8, Modesto 95350; in Jim's memory.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kotlarek
Dodo Grassinger
October 21, 2003
Dear Nancy and Family, I was so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing.I hope you and your family are doing better with each passing day, holding on to all the wonderful memories you all must have.
Don & Betty Baldwin
October 9, 2003
We will always treasure the time we spent together. You will be missed.
Tammy Lehnert
October 7, 2003
How very honored I am to have known such a good humored, good hearted man. I grieve for you all and hold you in my prayers.
Gordon Shinn
September 28, 2003
Jim,
Your time on this world was cut short, but the people you touched while you were here are truely blessed by knowing you. You were a great man, and the void you leave behind will never be filled.
Rest easy now, Jim, and know that we are comforted by the fact that you are in a much greater place now. You will be missed.
Mikal and Vikki Marshall
September 27, 2003
Diane and the Kotlarek Family,
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Taeya Ball
September 25, 2003
Dearest Kotlarek Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Shawna always spoke highly of her gramps. I am sure he was a wonderful man. Loss of a loved one is a hard time for everyone, I send my love and condolences to all. You all are in my prayers, and heart.
Sincerely,
Taeya Ball
Diane Shinn
September 24, 2003
Dad, I hope you will always know how very much I loved you and how important you were in my life. I will miss you every day of my life. Be in peace now, I love you, Dee
Dennis McCain
September 24, 2003
Thank you for letting me part of your life and family.
LUCILLE LEHMANN LACHOWSKI
September 23, 2003
DEAR NANCY & FAMILY, HOW VERY SAD TO HEAR OF JIM'S PASSING..HOPE YOU & YOUR FAMILY ARE FINE..HAVEN'T SEEN YOU FOR A VERY LONG TIME, BUT MY MEMORIES OF YOU BOTH ARE WONDERFUL. LOVE, LUCY
Carl Walden
September 23, 2003
Jim, I'm glad I got the opportunity to meet you and be in your life. You were a GREAT guy and made me laugh each time I seen you. I will always take care of your granddaughter.
Shawna Walden
September 23, 2003
Gramps, you were a GREAT Gramps, and would of been a GREAT Great Gramps. I love you very much, and you will never be forgotten no matter how much time passes. I love you...
Robin Kotlarek
September 23, 2003
With all the Father-in-laws in the world I was fortunate to have gotten you. I will never forget you . I love you. Robin
Timothy Kotlarek
September 23, 2003
Dad, I am missing you so much. I am looking forward to being with you ounce again. You were a GREAT FATHER and BEST FRIEND. I LOVE YOU so much.
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