Memorial Service Set For Robert 'Bob' Kotschi

MANHATTAN, IL — Robert “Bob” Kotschi who had strong ties to Chicago’s south suburbs passed away downstate on Dec. 22 at his home in downstate Vienna. Bob was 79.

Bob was born on Jan. 15, 1940, in Chicago, to Stephen and Lauretta (Heiden) Kotschi. He was a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.

On Nov. 12, 1960, Bob was united in marriage to Roberta Levy in Chicago. She preceded him in death in 2013. Bob and Roberta raised six 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.

Bob was employed for over 35 years as a truck driver for Fox Home Center in Oak Lawn.
He also served from 1979 to 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 grad school crossing guard.

He loved bowling and was a member of the U.S. Bowling Association. Bob also enjoyed golfing,
camping with his family, as well as working jigsaw and find-a-word puzzles. Bob was of the Christian faith.

Bob also leaves 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; and five great-grandchildren, Joshua Reece, Lindsey Reece, Isabella Chromek, Harper McErlean and Jace Gleim.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law – Stephen (Barbara) Kotschi, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 140 Thelma St., Manhattan, IL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL, 62711-6226.

To share a memory of Bob or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit Bailey Funeral Home.