James “Jim” W. Kotek, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021, at his home with his family. He was born on 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 October 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, Doris, of 69 years and his sons Jeffrey (Pam) of Decorah, IA, James Jr. (Carol) of West Salem, WI, Jonathan of West Salem and Jared (Jenny) of Harmony, MN; a daughter Julie of Dallas, TX; 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 on Saturday January 16, 2021 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.