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George Kottemann Obituary
PEORIA - George J. Kottemann, 83, of Peoria died Wednesday, June 1, 2015, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist, after a brief illness.
He married Norma (Rodems) Kottemann on June 29, 1952. She survives.
He is also survived by two children, Kathy (Jim) Wire and Karl (Suzi) Kottemann, both of St. Louis; five grandchildren, Philip (Chelsea) Wire, Kara (Roi) Castellanos, Patty (Allan) Thompson, Kristin Kottemann and Leslie (Patrick) Spellman; one great-granddaughter; and his sister, Dorothy Westly.
He was predeceased by his parents, Freda and William H. Kottemann; and his brother, William P. Kottemann.
George practiced orthodontics in Peoria for 34 years and was active in many local and national professional organizations. He held leadership roles in a number of Peoria civic groups, including the Peoria Art Guild and Easter Seals. With Norma, he helped to establish the Kottemann Gallery of Dentistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago Dental School and the sculpture studio at Bradley University's Heuser Hall. George led alumni activities at Peoria High School and the University of Illinois. He was instrumental in fundraising and planning for the sculpture "Portal," recently erected on Washington Street in Peoria.
After he retired from orthodontic practice, he had a second professional career in forensic dentistry and served with DMORT to identify disaster victims, including several weeks in New York after 9/11.
He and Norma traveled extensively, often to places that allowed them to indulge in their love of contemporary art.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 19, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, make memorials to the Peoria Art Guild, the University of Illinois College of Dentistry or the Universalist Unitarian Church.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illlinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at csmico.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Kottemann
Anne Schultz
June 18, 2015
We were neighbors for 20 years in Peoria. My sympathy to the Kottemann family.
Anne Schultz
Deane Doolen
June 15, 2015
It was my privilege to have been George's roommate during our first year at the U. of IL College of Dentistry in 1951-52. Then, from 1952 to 1954, he and his new bride, Norma, allowed their Medical Center apartment to be a meeting place for development of a romance for my wife, Ann, and me. From that time forward, we have enjoyed a lifetime filled with many pleasant memories, as professional colleagues coupled with a family-like personal relationship.
William Bike
June 15, 2015
Dr. Kottemann was a truly great man and it was a privilege for me to have known him for the last 20 years.
June 15, 2015
Dear Norma,
You and George were among the first alumni we hosted when George received the (most deserved) Distinguished Service Award from the University of Illinois. Having read his impressive biography and learning of the interests you both had, I was quite nervous about meeting such accomplished people. But, as has been the case since that first meeting, you have both been the most kind, unassuming, contributing (in every way) individuals. George's legacy will live long and his memory never fade, but he will be so very missed by many. May God comfort you and your family. Respectfully, Arlene and John Norsym, UIAA-UIC
Joan and Lynn Swigart
June 15, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Norma and the whole family. George was a wonderful supporter of the arts and his contributions in that area of city life were important and lasting. He will be missed.
Cinda Thompson
June 14, 2015
He will be so missed.
June 14, 2015
The first place I saw real artwork was at your house. My thoughts to you and your family.
Denise Johnson
June 14, 2015
George was the husband of one of our residents(Norma, his wife)at LHV.Heartfelt condolences go out to Norma and the immediate family.
Nancy McReynolds
June 14, 2015
Our family thought the world of Dr. Kotteman. He was the family orthodontist for all four of us kids. What a sweet man. Our sympathy to your family, he was one in a million! Nancy Hallstein McReynolds
Ann Frye
June 14, 2015
What a wonderful life you had, how I wish it were longer. You gave my son his smile.
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