Earl F. Kotek

PORTAGE  --  Earl F. Kotek, age 89, of Fort Winnebago Township, died on Monday, March 11, 2013 at American Way Assisted Living in Portage.

Earl was born on January 3, 1924, the son of Frank and Minnie (Millett) Kotek.  Earl was born on his farm in Ft. Winnebago and lived all but the last four years there.  He farmed with his folks for many years, and took over after they were not able to continue with farm work.  Earl married Carol Milton on February 9, 1973 in Portage.  They built a new house on the farm, where they enjoyed farming and their grandchildren visiting them.  Earl farmed in a time when neighbors helped each other.  Earl and Howard Kiefer farmed together for many years and farmed over the phone at lunch time almost every day.  They were great friends!  Earl retired and sold his cows in 1988.  He took a trip to California to visit his relatives;  he enjoyed his trip and first vacation.  He and Carol spent lots of quality time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Earl is survived by his stepdaughter, Margie (George) Thornton, Portage;  his stepson, Ken Milton, Portage;  grandchildren, Kimberly Messer, Jackie (Brandon) Ashbrook, Scott Milton, Michael Milton, and Casey Milton;  great-grandchildren, Meghan and Michael Messer, Emmalynn, Garrett, and Gracee Ashbrook;  other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his parents, his sister, Verna and brother-in-law, Bernard Monthey, his sister, Vivian and brother-in-law, Frank Kiefer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with the Rev. David Hankins officiating.  Burial will follow in Briggsville Protestant Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.

The family wishes to thank American Way for giving Earl a happy life for the last couple of years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Portage Presbyterian Church or American Way.