George Kottwitz

George Victor Kottwitz passed away peacefully on January 10, 2020, at the age of 100 at his home in Edwardsville.  He was born on August 28, 1919, in Bland, MO.  He was the youngest child of 4 born to Herman C. and Johanna M. (Liesemeyer) Kottwitz. His parents as well as his sister Ruth Greunke of Fremont, NE, brother Walter Kottwitz of St. Louis, MO, and sister Esther Sieber of St. Louis, MO preceded him in death.  George’s father died when he was 1 year old and he and his family moved to the farm of his uncle Ted Liesemeyer on 2^nd Creek in Gasconade County, MO.  He attended St. John Lutheran Church and School in Drake, MO, where he was baptized and confirmed.  Later he worked as a farm hand in the Hamel, IL area until he entered the Army in 1942.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious achievement during action in the Battle of the Bulge.  He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Staff Sargent.  He lived in Staunton, IL when he returned from the war.  He was employed as a conductor on the Illinois Terminal RR.  As a conductor on the railroad, he traveled through Edwardsville and thought it looked like a nice town to settle in.  He worked for several RR companies as ownership changed (Wabash, Norfolk & Western, Norfolk & Southern) and retired as a switchman in 1981.  He worked several years as a part-time custodian at Trinity Lutheran School in Edwardsville. He married Martha (Fleischer) from Rockville, MO on July 14, 1951, and moved to Edwardsville.  They were married 64 years until Martha’s death in 2016.  They were wonderful parents to 3 children: Ellen (Ron) Henschen of Edwardsville, Martin (Christine) Kottwitz of Edwardsville, and Carol (Charles) Byer of Calverton, NY.  He had 8 grandchildren: Joshua Henschen (Vasi Dzhoeva) of Edwardsville & Amanda Henschen (Chris) Sansom of Green Valley, IL; Katrina Kottwitz (Matt) Galen of Kirkwood, MO, Michael (Kate) Kottwitz of Springfield, IL & Gregory Kottwitz of Edwardsville; Andrew (Megan) Byer of Sicklerville, NJ, Amy Byer (Ben) Riley of Altus AFB, OK, & Christopher (Charly) Byer of College Station, TX.  He was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren:  Eliya & Jacob Sansom; Camille & Lucille Galen; Eleanor Kottwitz; Madelyn, Lucas & Cameron Byer; Oliver, August & Hazel Riley; and Sophi & Lillian Byer.  He is also survived by many nieces & nephews. George was a “journaler” of day to day life.  He kept a diary since he was 20 years old and scrapbooked many events over the years.  He loved photography and cataloging jokes in 13 collections he penned.  He had jokes published in Readers Digest, Lutheran Witness, and Reminiscence magazine.  The Madison County Chronicle featured his “K-Corner” for years.  He had jokes featured on KMOX, and Johnny Carson used his joke in a monologue in 1974.  He coached Little League, followed the Cardinals, was an avid gardener and loved growing roses.  He was a musician who played piano and organ in his home church and during his army years for field services. He also loved singing in several choirs at Trinity.  He loved fishing and playing horseshoes.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Ministries who daily witnessed his faith by word and action.  He was a member of the St. Louis Gateway chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 16, from 4-7 PM at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home, 304 North Main Street in Edwardsville. Funeral will be on Friday, January 17, at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 600 Water Street, Edwardsville.  Interment to follow at Valley View Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Ministries & Metro-East Lutheran High School. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.  

Obit Provided By:
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home