Keith Cottingham
Jerseyville | Save
Keith L. Cottingham, husband of Marguerite Sinclair, passed away at 8:43 A.M. June 8, 2015 at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation, located on the farmland where he was born to Lloyd and Anna Hunter Cottingham April 24, 1929.
After the family sold the farm in 1943, they moved to Chicago where he graduated from Lane Technical High School. He attended Northwestern University and then served 4 years as a pilot in the United States Airforce, flying the Berlin Airlift. He loved his country, proudly flew the American flag and always wore an American flag pin.
He was employed in the corrugated packaging industry, building and operating plants throughout the United States. He ultimately retired as VP of manufacturing in 1998 from Chesapeake Corporation in Binghamton, New York.
He married Mary Ann Schuele, and together for 37 years they raised two children, Christine and Scott. She died in 1999.
After having been gone from Jerseyville for 57 years, he was invited to attend Irma Allen’s millennium party in 2000, given for her students in the classes of 1947-48. There, he had a second chance with love when he met Marguerite. They were married August 11, 2001 at Peace United Church of Christ.
They have enjoyed almost 14 years together, travelling throughout the United States and abroad and spending time with family and friends. They enjoyed their winters in Florida near family for the past 9 years.
In addition to his first wife, Mary Ann, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Morris, Ralph, Carol, Dale, and Ivan and brother in law Lee Gettings.
He is survived by his wife, Marguerite; son H. Scott Cottingham of Buffalo, New York; daughter Christine Cottingham and grandson, Sergei Cottingham Lever of Seattle, Washington; as well as two special nephews Keith and Steve Cottingham. Also surviving are Marguerite’s children Russ (Jean) of Jerseyville; Brad (Aleta) Melbourne FL; Jan (Rick) Rozenboom of South Bend Indiana; and her grandchildren Todd, Taylor, Avery, and Jillian Sinclair and Morgan and Drake Rozenboom. Brothers in law Bill (Doris), Jake (Louise), Dale (Nancy) Gettings, and sisters in law Grace Gettings and Libby Cottingham.
Because he so valued the time loved ones spent with him in Florida and travelling to spend time with him during his illness, he requested there be no visitation or memorial service. Cremation rites were accorded. Memorials would be appreciated to Peace United Church of Christ.
ALEXANDER & GUBSER FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
Alexander Funeral Home
