Lumir T. Kotas Obituary (1928

In Memory OfLumir T. Kotas Lumir Thomas Kotas was born on a farm 2 1/2 miles west of Saline Center near Western, Nebraska on July 3, 1928 to Joseph and Julia (Brejcha) Kotas, the oldest of four children and passed away suddenly Sunday, December 16, 2007 at his home near Western at the age of 79 years 5 months and 13 days. As a young boy he attended Saline County Country School District #120 through the 8th grade. He then helped his father on the farm and while attending ZCBJ lodge events he met the love of his life Dorothy E. Kasl. They were married on February 24, 1948 at the courthouse in Wilber and to this union four children, Lumir J., Ellen, Gary and Allen were born. Together they lived on area farms, later purchasing the home place where they made their home and he has resided for the last 57 years, most recently with his grandson, Eric, Jen and their son Trenton. Lumir was a life-time Saline County area farmer, producing grain and raising cattle and hogs. He was one of the first farmers to purchase a square baler and a welder. He did lots of custom work, baling for area farmers and was a self-taught welder. Lumir raised cattle to the end and was still putting up hay and silage for his cattle even in his retirement. He made many trips to the stock yards in Omaha and later to Columbus to sell his stock. In his spare time he enjoyed playing cards and in addition, he was the longest running bar manager in a non-profit association in the state of Nebraska. Lumir was always energetic and had a very sharp mind, such as figuring the value of livestock in the sale rings. He also enjoyed traveling to the lodge conventions and family reunions. He spent many hours with his grandchildren and great-grand-children. Lumir was a member of the Saline Center Lodge WFLA #389 and recently received his 75-year pin. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, Friend, sons and daughters-in-law, Lumir J. and Mary Ann Kotas, Friend, Allen and Judy Kotas, Milligan, 10 grandchildren and spouses, Bobby and Shannon Kotas, Omaha, Jason and Sheena Kotas, of Texas, Becky and Jaimie Degon, Dorchester, Jessica and Cliff Forsythe, Omaha, Brenda and Abram Hotz, Tea, SD, Eric Kotas and fiance Jen, Western, and Jenna Kotas, Omaha, Christine and Michael Simmons, Carterville, IL, Kenny and Christine Wright, Rawlins WY, and Amy and Michael Cobb, Sinclair, WY, 20 great-grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law, Irene and Vern Hartman, Davenport, Edna and Frank Musil, Florence, AZ, sister-in-law, Joan Kotas, Wilber, nieces, nephews. Lumir was preceded in death by parents, infant daughter, Ellen, son, Gary, great-granddaughter, Adeline Hotz, brother, Joie, daughter-in-law, Gail Kotas. A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at Saline Center, Hwy 15, Western with Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating. Interment was in the Wilber Czech Cemetery, Wilber. Visitation was from 6 a