James Kotek

James A. Kotek, age 77, of Faribault, MN, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018, at the Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, following a brief illness.

Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault.  Interment with honors will be held at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

James Albert was born on September 18, 1941 in Erin Township, Rice County, MN to Albert Jr. and Lucille (Kaderlik) Kotek.  He attended school in Montgomery, MN then served in the U.S. Navy.  While in the Navy he met Becky Sanner and they were married November 25, 1961 in Long Beach, CA.  They lived in California for 20 years where Jim worked for John Deere Co and also was a volunteer fireman.  In 1982, they moved to Faribault where Jim worked as a truck driver for Jerome Foods/Jennie-O for 20 years.  Jim and Becky enjoyed camping and traveling to many parts of the States, especially the south and west coast.  He also enjoyed spending time gambling.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Kotek of Faribault; daughters, Peggy (Bryan) Back of Rochester, MN, and Cindy (Mark) Hill of Owatonna, MN; six grandchildren, Kayti Parker, Jacob Back, Chelsey Back, Adam Back, Riley Hill, and Nicolas Hill; eight siblings, Nettie Coughlin, Stacia (Joe) Trnka, Edward Kotek, Betty (Steve) Danielson, Mike (Janine) Kotek, Bob (Michaela) Kotek, Mary Kotek, and Mark (Robina) Kotek; many nieces and nephews that called Jim “Uncle Bum”, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert J. and Lucille; and his sister-in-law, Marlene Kotek.