Ljubomir "Louis" Kotefski

Ljubomir (Ljub, love–Mir, peace) "Louis" Kotefski, affectionately known as Lubé, passed away on the morning of September 27 at his nursing home, surrounded by love.
He was born on December 21, 1937, in the village of S Nacolec, Macedonia (formerly Yugoslavia), on his family's apple farm. Because of the threat of forced conscription and postwar danger, Louis was born in a barn and hidden as a baby to keep him safe.
As a teenager, he and his cousin built a small wooden boat and escaped in the middle of the night. They were stopped by the Greek coast guard and spent a year in a refugee camp, where Louis waited for his visa and learned Greek. He then came to America when he was 17 to join his beloved grandparents and started fresh with hope in his heart. Soon after arriving, he met Sharon. Their connection was instant. They taught each other their languages; he taught her Macedonian, and she taught him English. He found work at Lorain Steel Stamping company, making toy wagons. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and strength for over 60 years.
Lubé loved soccer with all his heart. He coached and played for many years and remained a passionate fan. He was a devoted follower of Christ and the Orthodox faith. He helped build a local Orthodox church and sang in its choir for many years, proud to be part of a community that meant so much to him. Music brought him peace and reminded him of home. He especially loved playing the harmonica, and even after losing three fingers in a factory accident, he made finger stilts so he could keep playing the accordion and banjo. His deep, soulful singing voice could light up any room.
He was known for his big heart and clever wit. Lubé was always fixing something or helping someone. He especially treasured time with loved ones and adored his little dogs. He helped raise his three eldest grandchildren and shared a unique bond with each of his five grandkids, who loved him dearly. He and Sharon visited his family in Macedonia often, and those visits were especially meaningful to him. They were memories he always carried close to his heart.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Sharon Kotefski (née Yug); children Kathleen and Paul; sister Milica (Mila) and brother Cone, both of Macedonia; grandchildren John "Jack," Devan, Deanna, Paige, and Nicholas; and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Velika (née Jovanovski) and Spase Stefanovski; his grandparents, Alekso and Guveza Koteff, all of whom he loved and missed terribly; and his brother, Pavle.
The family extends their heart and gratitude to Cheryl, whose love and companionship brought light and warmth to Louis's later years and comfort in his final moments.
If you would like to support the family, donations to help cover funeral and burial expenses for Sharon are deeply appreciated. Contributions in Lubé's memory may also be made to:
· Organizations that advocate dignity & reform in elder and nursing home care
· Hilarity for Charity – Alzheimer's & dementia care
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