Robert Kotschi

January 15, 1940 - December 22, 2019

Robert “Bob” Kotschi, Sr., age 79 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Sunday morning, December 22, 2019, at 9:50 AM at his home. Bob was born January 15, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Stephen and Lauretta (Heiden) Kotschi. On November 12, 1960, Bob was united in marriage to Roberta Levy in Chicago, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 22, 2013. Bob is survived by: 6 children – Robert Kotschi, Jr. of Channahon, Shelly (Tim) Whatley of Vienna, Tim Kotschi of Lockport, Gina (John) Fisler of Tinley Park, Richard Centkowski of Vienna, and Barbara Centkowski of Chicago; 10 grandchildren – Krysti (Ian) Reece, Gabrielle (John) McErlean, Taylor (Joshua) Chromek, Savannah Kotschi, Brianne Kotschi, Jazmin Kotschi, Marissa Kotschi, Amanda, Fisler, Johnny Fisler, and Kenny Fisler; 5 great grandchildren – Joshua Reece, Lindsey Reece, Isabella Chromek, Harper McErlean, & Jace Gleim. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law – Stephen (Barbara) Kotschi, Jr. Bob was a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois. Bob was employed for over 35 years as a truck driver by Fox Home Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. He also served from 1979 – 1989 as a volunteer fireman for the Tinley Park Fire Department. Following his retirement, Bob and his family resided in Florida where he was employed as a bus driver at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando. During his residency in Vienna, Bob was a friendly and familiar face as the Grade School crossing guard. Bob loved bowling and was a member of the U.S. Bowling Association. He also enjoyed golfing, camping with family at Woodhaven Lakes, as well as working jigsaw and find-a-word puzzles. Bob was of the Christian faith. Memorial service will be Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11 AM at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Manhattan, IL. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, Illinois 62711-6226 www.lung.org