FAIRMONT — A Celebration of Life service for J.R. “Dick” Kotewa, age 86, of Fairmont, Minn., will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fairmont. Military honors will be provided by Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 and Martin County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1222 immediately following the service at the church.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 10, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery, Fairmont.

Dick passed away Wednesday morning, June 5, 2019, at his home in Fairmont with his wife and sons by his side.

Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to the First Congregational Church for music, Disabled American Veterans, UHD Hospice, American Cancer Society or the donor’s choice.

John “Dick” Richard Kotewa was born April 30, 1933, in Fairmont, Minn., to John F. and Fern E. (Courtright) Kotewa. He attended Fairmont Public Schools, graduating with the class of l952. He attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis prior to joining the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1956 following 39 months of service to his country and returned to Dunwoody Industrial Institute.

Dick was united in marriage to Jane Kipp Dufelmeier on June 24, 1967, in Chamberlain, S.D., and shared life with their sons, James and Kevin.

Dick joined his father in the family business after completing his work at Dunwoody, purchasing the business in 1969. In 1985, Johnny’s Plumbing and Heating was sold and he began his insurance career with The Prudential, retiring in 2005. He enjoyed part-time work for Ace Fleet and Farm until illness interfered.

Dick had been a member of Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce and the Harmony Junction Chorus. He sang in the choir at First Congregational Church UCC and served on the boards of finance and deacons. He was a 60-year member of Interlaken Golf Club, playing with the same foursome for 40 years.

Dick served on the City of Fairmont Code Appeals group and on the Jackson Vocational Technical Advisory Board.

Dick enjoyed the Minnesota Twins, playing golf, summers at the family cabin in Ottertail County, and watching his sons and grandsons in sporting activities.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jane; sons, James (Robyn) of Fairmont, and Kevin of Eden Prairie, Minn.; five grandsons, Matthew James Kotewa and Lucas John Kotewa of Fairmont, Brandon Jensen (Christina Anderson) of Watertown, S.D., Brian Jensen (Tashina Hanson) of Fairmont, Brady Jensen of East Chain; sisters, Sharon Neuenfeldt of Fairmont, Linda Bartoletti (Joe) of Minneapolis; niece, Kim Kreiss (Joseph) of Fairmont; nephew, Jay Neuenfeldt of Fairmont; sister-in-law, Gail Stremel (Don Gemberling) of St. Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Harold and Mabel Dufelmeier; several aunts and uncles.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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