Elaine Kotek
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 3, 2013 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father James P. McNamee will officiate. Interment will be at the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Friendship, Wisconsin.
Visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Rosary will be held on Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.
Elaine was born May 26, 1928 in Mauston, Wisconsin to Matthias and Anna (Warme) Riddlestine. She grew up in Mauston on her family farm. Elaine attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and later graduated from Mauston High School. She worked for the Phone Company in Mauston before marrying Jerry E. Kotek on August 23, 1950 in Mauston, Wisconsin. Elaine and Jerry owned and operated Jerry’s TV and Radio in Friendship and later became Postmaster at the Friendship Post Office.
Elaine enjoyed volunteer work at the Hospital, working at the Roche-A-Cri Bowmen Club, and was a dedicated parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 40 years, teaching CCD and Mass Servers, cooked for countless lunches throughout the years. Elaine was also well known for her famous pecan pies.
Memorials may be directed to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Matthias and Anna (Warme) Riddlestine; husband, Jerry E. Kotek;
sisters: Lorretta Griffa, Marie Donovan, Irene Kelley, Margaret Quinn, Berneice Dombek and Dolores Fitzgerald; brothers: Mathew Riddlestine and Leo Riddlestine.
Survivors:
Brother: Raymond (Betty) Riddlestine of Mauston, Wisconsin
Sister: Ruth Clark of Mauston, Wisconsin
Brother-in-law: Mike Fitzgerald
Further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
My condolences to her family who will miss her more than the many friends she had in the community. Elaine was a kind, loving friend but I’m sure she is much happier now after joining the love of her life – Jerry. Goodbye dear friend
We have lot’s of great memories of Elaine, from working at the post office for numerous years , involvement in the community and her church to having her hair done at the Charm Center before going to work. A very dedicated lady and very caring person. Now she has made it home by her husband. Rest in peace and may God comfort her family.
Elaine was a sweet and wonderful woman. She and her husband will be missed by anyone who ever traveled north on highway 13! There was never a day they weren’t out tending their yard or a season tha they didn’t decorate for! They made lives of many young children very special! My condolences and prayers go to the family of Elaine in this difficult time of loss.
Heaven has received a very special Angel when Elaine went home be with Jerry. Thanks for the laughs. You are greatly missed.
I have so many memories of the Kotek family..as a child I went with Mom and Dad in our old truck,(our only transportation) to the Kotek salvage yard..My dad and Jerry’s dad were such good friends..It was entertainment just to be there..always came home laughing and happy to have been there..As the years rolled on and our friendship continued with Jerry and Elaine,our connection of friendship continued with them..Elaine made sure Rosie,(my mom)got to church with her, even when my mom insisted the “real way” to
the church was the “old European” way and insisted on walking..By the way, when we were in Europe for a visit, my Mom still insisted “We Walk.” Put on your Sunday Go To Church clothes, and walk. I am sure I have
been mentioned many times for my Mom and the times she insisted on walking to church. albeit I would insist on taking her..I do miss her, also.
REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIENDS..
When I read about Elaine’s passing in the local paper there were so many memories that passed through my mind. She worked with the alter boys at church to make sure they looked good and knew what they were to do on the alter, my two brothers were in her care she taught them well. I was one of her angels in the Christmas plays she would put on during Midnight Mass at Christmas Eve service. It was always an honor to be one of her angels. I am so sorry for your loss, she was a good and kind person. Always had a smile and ready to help. When my brother Tom passed she told my mom not to worry she would put on the luncheon and help to bury him, he was one of many boys she worked with. May Elaine now rest in peace her work on this earth is done. She is definitely sitting up in heaven with Jerry and smiling. May you find God’s love and comfort in the days ahead. The last time I saw Elaine was at my mom’s funeral. She smiled gave me a hug and said it will be alright that mom was now in God’s hands. Well my mom has company, Elaine is now in God’s hands too. Peggy (Joyce) Connell
Kind, considerate , caring, with a smile for everyone she met. This describes a special lady that has been a friend to many.
Rest in Peace Elaine. You cared about so many people in your community.
You are a special Lady to all who knew you. Smile with your pretty brown eyes. Hold Jerry close now that you are reunited. You did wonderful things for so many in our community and parish. We will miss you our friend and neighbor.
Thank you Elaine for all your friendship, our wonderful talks, and all the good you’ve done for our Church and we your friends. I’ll be praying you have a special place in Heaven that I’m sure God has saved for you. One Great Lady.
We are so sorry for your loss. Hold each other close and share your memories. Elaine always brought a smile to my face when I saw her. Her and Jerry were so wonderful to everyone. They are now together in heaven. May you rest in peace in heaven. You were a angel. God Bless
Now you can run in the grass bare foot your knees will not hurt and everything around you will be clear and bright. You where a very special person to us, you where our Daisy, all ways full of happiness, we will miss you, love you lots.
Rest in peace Ms. Elaine. You and Jerry are now united in eternity. You have always been a special lady of our community. Thank you for always being the caring person you were. May our Great Spirit above, along with our Heavenly Father, comfort and hold your family and friends in their arms.