Farmington – Joseph (Joe) Kotok, 89, Farmington, (formerly from Thief River Falls) passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. His love for his family was his greatest treasure. Joe was born in Manor, PA, on April 14, 1934 to the late Peter Kotok and Julia Kutcha Kotok.
Joe married Henrietta (Retta) Kilar on June 30, 1956, at St. Bernadette’s Church, Masury, OH.
As a graduate of Jeanette, PA high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force. Being honorably discharged, Joe enrolled in college and graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a degree in Wildlife Management.
While in college, Joe was employed with the U.S. Post Office and worked highway construction to provide for his family. After graduating, Joe launched his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His passion for the environment and natural resources flourished.
His first job was at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in WI. Further opportunities advanced his career within the National Wildlife Refuge system with positions including the Upper Mississippi NWR in WI and Ottawa NWR in OH (Job Corp). He thrived throughout his 25 years as Manager of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Northwestern Minnesota.
During his tenure, Joe received many accolades for his dedicated service, culminating with the Department of the Interior Meritorious Service Award presented by the Secretary of Interior.
Joe generously opened his heart and home to colleagues and friends throughout the years celebrating special events at the Agassiz and Thief River Falls homes. Throughout his career, Joe’s motto was to leave this Earth a little bit better for future generations. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing, blueberry picking and travel.
Joe’s summer home in Morson, Ontario was his slice of heaven while here on earth where he put his heart and soul into restoring its historic beauty. The lakefront property stopped many people by boat to admire the pristine landscape. Our family always joked that Dad could hear the grass grow. Joe’s legacy will live on with the memories made with family and friends during the 46 years of cabin ownership.
Joe was a member of the Elks Club, the Disabled American Veterans Association and National Wildlife Refuge Association. He was a member of St. Bernards parish in Thief River Falls. Moving closer to family, Retta and Joe became affiliated with St. Michael’s Catholic Parish in Farmington.
Joe was the last surviving sibling of 11 children: Peter Kotok, Paul Kotok, Johnny (Betty) Kotok, Mike (Sophie) Kotok, Walt (Sandy) Kendall, Nick (Barb) Kendall, Mary (Dan) DeNezza, Nellie Beal, Helen (Don) Stang and Anne Playfair.
Joe is survived by wife, Retta Kotok; children, Lawrence (Susan) Kotok, Eden Prairie, Janice (Bob) Krauth, Owatonna, Lori (Tom) Anderson, Brooklyn Park, Marie (Jay) Lackmann, Farmington; grandchildren, Jack Kotok, Samantha Lackmann, Amanda Lackmann, Simon Kotok, Bennett Kotok and Joseph Lackmann; step granddaughter, Christine (David) Bruneau; and 11 step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Farmington, MN. (22120 Denmark Avenue).
Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass with military burial at 1:45 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Following the burial, a celebration of Joe’s life will be held nearby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to MN Hospice, 17645 Juniper Path, Lakeville, MN 55044.
Condolences: www.whitefuneralhomes.com
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