John M. Kotarba
Obituary's Biography:
John M. Kotarba, 75, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away February 9, 2025, at the Captain James Lovell Health Center in North Chicago, IL. He was born March 9, 1949, in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Helene Kotarba. He grew up in Wheeling, Ill, and lived in Grayslake, Ill for 47 years.
John was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served with the US Marine Corps and was a member of the US Marine Corps League of Lake County Detachment 801. He worked for Illinois Tool Works in the Paslode division for many years before he retired. John enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. Some of his happiest times were camping with his family with the Faith Baptist friends and later enjoying the “Friends for Decades” group. Also, his friends from Maranatha Baptist. And his friends from Paslode. And, neighborhood friends. And friends from Wheeling High School. He also enjoyed going on Lake County Honor Flight #16 with his daughter Sherry as his guardian.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Kotarba, his children Sherry (David) Hannan, John (Amber) Kotarba Jr., and Stacey Kotarba, his grandchildren Michelle Hannan, Jimmy Hannan, Katerina Kotarba, and Mia Kotarba, and his brother Joseph (Valerie) Kotarba. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Kotarba.
A visitation is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 at 10:00am. Interment will follow the service at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org of contact (847)223-8122.
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John was a true gentleman. He was also a wonderful neighbor, the best you could ask for. We send our deepest condolences to the whole Kotarba family at this deeply sad time.
Colleen, John, Connor & Rory Spoden
Thank you very much. My dad was the best. Thanks for being such great neighbors.
I was so honored to be Honor Flight sisters with you. ❤️🇺🇸 I’m sure you enjoyed your time with your father on the Honor Flight. I know my father did. We will always have our memories of the Honor Flight Family. Freedom is not free. But because of our fathers, and many others that have served and are still serving. Thank you for your service and you will rest in peace. 🇺🇸
Thank you Kristi, my Honor Flight sister. The gift your father gave me, was something I will cherish forever! Being able to be his Guardian on his Honor Flight was such an honor to me.
Love you,
Sherry
It was always a pleasure to sit with John on good Summer days, watching his grandchildren at play. Even during the hardest of days John was optimistic, friendly and always waived at neighbors as the drove by. We met John & Mary in 1978 when we built our houses together. My deceased husband Rich loved to chat with John & in particular loved John’s Toyota “big pick up truck”. Mary I so wanted to attend John’s service but unfortunately I fell last Friday and are homebound for a while. Take care my friend! John’s with our Lord and comfortable. Prayers, Love & Hugs……Reva