Kenneth Richard Kotes

Kenneth Richard Kotes, age 96, passed away peacefully at Wisconsin Veterans Boland Hall, Union Grove, WI. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, May 18, 1928, son of the late Matthew and Florence (Nee:Eastway) Kotes. Ken graduated from High School and went on to earn a BS then his Masters. While in high school Ken met the love of his life Joan Cudnohowski. They were married August 16, 1952, and were blessed with 2 children, Brian and Deborah. Ken proudly served his country in the US Airforce stationed in Okinawa.

Ken taught special education for Racine Unified School District for over 25 years retiring in 1988 last teaching at Wm Horlick High School. He enjoyed traveling with the family across the country in his motorhome. Ken was an avid fisherman and hunter who also enjoyed creating jewelry, snowmobiling, watercolor painting, and woodcarving. Above all he treasured the time spent with his family and will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his daughter, Deborah Hempel; granddaughters, Shannan (Luis) Pineda, Melissa (Chris) Sloan, Michelle (Bart) Bolman, Jamie Jenkins; great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; brother, Richard Kotes; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Joan of 71 years; his son, Bryan Kotes; and sister-in-law, Shirley Kotes.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, Friday, September 13, 2024, 12:30 pm. Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 11:30 am until 12:30 pm.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.