Bob Kotten

Bob Kotten died at his home on Camp Lake near Brainerd on October 17, 2004. He was 63. He was a loving husband, companion and best friend of Marge. He was also a very proud and loving dad, father-in-law and grandpa. His children and grandchildren include; Joe and Tammy with sons, Joshua and Matthew of Grafton, IL; Kristine and Bryan Sessions with daughter, Sarah of Bend, OR; and Rebecca (Kotten) Barnes of Robbinsdale, MN.
He is also survived by his mother, Leona of Paynesville, MN and his brothers and sisters; Donna Liebl, Tom, Dennis, Jack and Steve all of the Paynesville area; Jerry of White Bear Lake, MN; Ron of St. Michael, MN and Camp Lake; Joan Yenter of St. Peter, MN; and Mary Feneis and Betty of New Richmond, WI. His father Joe and infant brother and sister, Mark and Anna Marie died earlier.

Bob wanted to make a difference with his life. He treated people with dignity and respect, and fought hard for the things he believed in. While working for NE neighbor house in Minneapolis, MN, he was a community organizer and liaison person for boys from age 8 ? 18. He licensed group homes, day care providers, and adoptions while working for Crow Wing Social Services. For twenty years, he worked for the Department of Human Services servicing persons with physical and mental disabilities. During this time, he licensed group homes, was a regional representative for counties and a supervisor of regional representatives. He also helped start and organize a support group in Brainerd for families of mentally or physically disabled persons; and, as a trained arbitrator, helped families access services from their communities.

He was the clerk of Roosevelt Township for 29 years. When he was able, he also participated with the Brainerd Coalition for Peace.

He was a loving person, and was dearly loved. He will be missed.

Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Holy Family Church on Bull Dog Lake with Reverend Doctor Paul Fruth officiating. Burial will be in the Dykeman Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 ? 7 PM on Tuesday at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and 1 hour prior to services at the church.