William Kothera
August 25, 1926 — January 31, 2016
William (Bill) Edward Kothera, 89, of Crystal Lake, died, Sunday, January 31, 2016 at home surrounded by family. He went to join the love of his life, Marian.
He was born on August 25, 1926, to Joseph and Lillian Novak Kothera in Cleveland, Ohio.
He married Marian Schneider Kothera on August 19, 1950 at St. James Church in Lakewood, Ohio. Bill was a Marine in World War II and a loving husband and a loving father to his seven children.
He was a draftsman by trade and enjoyed bowling, pinochle, and practical jokes. He enjoyed his retirement years spending his free time with his children’s families and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the best Santa Claus at the family Christmas celebrations every year.
Bill is survived by his children, Donna Kothera, Diane Kothera, Mary (Greg) Inwood, Kathy Kothera, Linda (Daniel) Kozlowski, Joanne Cassell, and Edward Kothera; grandchildren, Mike (Kirsten) Manthei, Beth (Ray) Klotz, Matt (Anne) Inwood, Katy (Shaun) Barkman, Tony (Candy) Little, Jenna (Jameson) Hadju, Haley (Gannon) Sadzeck, Jaclyn (Dean) Johnson, Tim Kozlowski, Kevin Kozlowski, Kristin Kozlowski, Brianna Kozlowski, Cody (Meaghan) Cassell, Cassie (fiancé Cameron Kennedy) Cassell, Kelsey Cassell, Zachary Kothera, Tyler Kothera, and Jason Kothera; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Julia, Riley, Sarah, Christopher, Ethan, Evan, Gavin, Bella, Bayleigh, and Owen; sister, Alice Kothera, sister-in-law, Carol (Dave) Endsley, and cousin John (Penny) Novak.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marian, on May 8, 2015.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2016, at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Father Akan Simon will be the celebrant.
Burial will be held privately at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to JourneyCare Foundation, 405 N. Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010, www.journeycare.org.