Richard F. “Butch” Kotas, Jr., 73, of Nebraska City, died on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at his home with his wife Sharon by his side. He was born on Dec. 6, 1935 in Nebraska City, the son of Richard F. Kotas, Sr. and Louise (Ottnat) Kotas.
He graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1953. He married Sharon Schreiner on Sept. 16, 1956 in Nebraska City at the Bethel Church.
Butch worked for American Meter Company for 30 years before retiring in June of 1998. He was a member of the Eagles and the Bethel United Church of Christ where he served on various church and spiritual councils.
In his younger years, Butch liked to hunt and fish. He was also an avid woodworker.
He is survived by his wife Sharon Kotas of Nebraska City; son-in-law Gene Blankenfeld of Lincoln; step-grandchildren Patricia and Michael; step great-grandchildren: Patricia, Morgan, Michael Joseph and Drake Ryan; sisters-in-law Donna Fish and dear friend Bob Zastrow of Lincoln, and Janis Westerby and husband Wes of Grand Island; nieces Julie Schram of Papillion, Leesia Weihs of Council Bluffs, and Rhonda Schreiner of Omaha; nephews Jeff Westerby, Michael Westerby, Douglas Westerby, Brad Fish, all of Grand Island, and Mark Fish of Kearney; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia, on Feb. 9, 2005; his parents Dick and Louise; father and mother-in-law Mark and Ella Schreiner; brothers-in-law Robert Fish and Larry Schreiner.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 5, at the Bethel United Church of Christ in Nebraska City with Rev. Rodger Good officiating. Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City.
Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City and an hour prior to the services on Friday at the church.
Memorials may be given to Bethel United Church of Christ.
To leave a remembrance, please visit www.gudefuneralhomes.com.
Gude Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Nebraska City, Neb. —
