Obituary of Joseph Lawrence Kotnik

Joseph L. Kotnik PIERPONT-Joseph Lawrence Kotnik, 96 passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021, on his farm he so lovingly worked for his lifetime. The son of Joseph and Reza (Hungler) Kotnik, he was born on May 8, 1925, in Pierpont; where he remained a lifelong resident; except for his time in the Navy. Joe served from 1944 to 1946 and was extremely proud of his service to his country. Joe and Mildred were married on February 23, 1952, together they worked the land that would be their home for the next fifty-five years. They were faithful stewards of the land that would give so much to the Kotnik Family. Joe was a Dairy Farmer farming the land that he loved so much. This is where he was born and where he died. Joe has come full circle. A man of many talents and interests, Joe has built three homes for his family over the years, every corner square and wall straight. He was interested in real estate. Joe enjoyed going dancing with Mildred and together they made quite the pair; they also enjoyed traveling as time would allow. Playing cards with friends and family would pass the time in the evening. Teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren to play cards brought him great joy and much laughter. Joe’s greatest joy came from his family; he encouraged and supported his children and grandchildren. He and Mildred created a loving home for their family. Sunday dinners were such a special time as everyone would share the stories of the week and of course the food was plentiful and enjoyed by all. Joe is survived by his children; Larry (Leora) Kotnik, Jodi (Allen Bartko) Juhasz, Janet (Jim Ryan) Dello, and Robert Kotnik; grandchildren, Julie, Holly, Wendy, Jana, Jennifer, Molly, Joseph, and Randy; nineteen loving great grandchildren; two great- great grandchildren; longtime friend, Chriss Gerhardt; loving nieces and nephews; former son-in-law Dan Dello. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mildred (Hank) Kotnik; siblings, John Kotnik, Mary Beuhler, Pauline Telehusen, Rosene Kotnik and Alvina Kotnik. Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Childs-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 1071 State Route # 7 North, Pierpont, Ohio,44082. Larry Carr, Pastor of Pierpont Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Military honors provided by Dewey Howlett Post #103, of Ashtabula, Ohio. Visitation from 10AM until time of service at the funeral home. If desired, contributions in Joe’s name may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio,44004. Childs-Williams-Funeral Home, 1071 State Route 7 North, Pierpont, Ohio is assisting the family. www.ducro.com