Josef Kotar

JOSEF "JOE" KOTAR age 94, beloved husband for 65 years of the late Louisa (nee Zidar); loving father of Josef Jr. (Charmaine), Mary (John) Owens, Toni (Mike) Hrnyak, and Kate (Jim Truskolaski) Kotar; devoted grandfather of Krista Kotar, Erika Kotar, Morgan Owens, Molly (Jack) McDermott, Nicolette (Jim) Weber, and Michael (Krystina) Hrnyak and great-grandfather of Kaytlynn, Andrew, Grace, Joshua, Blakely, Kennedy, James III, Madeline, and Emilia; dear brother of Stefani Zidar; uncle of many, including Maria Minnick, and great-uncle, cousin, and family member to many in Slovenia. 

Josef was born on October 15, 1930, in Nova Gora, Slovenia. As immigrants, he and Louisa overcame many hardships to build a wonderful life for their family. It brought true joy to watch his family grow and for him to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. To say he was hard working would be an understatement. Josef worked whatever job he had to in order to support his family. He worked as a lumberjack back home and as a machinist in the USA until he finally retired when he was 80 years old. Josef always had a well-manicured lawn and took pride in landscaping and tending to his fruit trees. Through the years he enjoyed being a part of Pristava and the Pensioners Club, listening and dancing to polkas, playing the button box, watching wrestling, playing the lottery, and traveling and taking bus trips with his wife. On May 8, 2025, Josef passed away. Though his passing brings great sadness, there is peace in knowing he and Louisa are together again. 

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, May 19, 2025, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor, OH 44060 at 10 AM.

Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Josef at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 3-6 PM.