John Martin Kotas 1849-1923

KOTAS, DOLEZAL, CARLSON, VORHIES, HESSLINGH, NIELSEN, GRAVES

Posted By: Georgea Clinton (email)
Date: 4/12/2011 at 13:32:42

Nov 22, 1923 - Carroll Times - John Kotas, one of the well known citizens of Glidden and this community, died at his home on Monday evening at 6 o'clock after a brief illness. He had been in ill health for several years and about 2 weeks ago was confined to his home. His condition was not considered serious until about 5 days before his death. A trained nurse was called and the help of 2 doctors obtained, all was done that loving hands could do but acute appendicitis set in and caused his death.

The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Wednesday of last week at 2 o'clock, in charge of the pastor, Rev. F.G. Codd of Carroll. Burial was made in Westlawn cemetery. A very large number of relatives and friends were present at the funeral and the floral offerings were many and beautiful.

John Martin Kotas was born in Bohemia November 12, 1849, and died at his home in Glidden November 12, 1923. He was baptized in infancy and at the age of 12 he came to America with his parents. They located in Johnson county, Iowa 8 miles from Iowa city. Here he was reared to manhood.

On April 5, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Dolezal, of Solon, Ia. Ten children were born to this union. Two have preceded their father in death, namely: Edward, who died in infancy and Mrs. Albert Carlson, who died July 8, 1908. Those living are Jerry G., Adolph J., Joseph H., Mrs. Gene Vorhies, Mrs. John Hesslingh, Mrs. Alfred Nielsen, Mrs. Harrison Graves, all of this vicinity; and Ernest L of Tripp, SD. All were present at his bedside at the time of his death.

In 1875 he purchased his farm in Grant township two miles west of Glidden from the Railroad Land Co., and moved onto it the following year. This land was a prairie, and became one of the first improved farms in the neighborhood. He resided on this until 1881 when he took a trip to Colorado on account of poor health and remained there six months.

He then returned and moved to Johnson county, and in 1884 he again returned to the old farm in Carroll county. Here he took to farming, not only his own land, but a large portion adjoining his and to stock raising and cattle feeding. Mr. Kotas was never known to idle, always busy at one thing or another, until ten years ago. He with his family moved to his present home in Glidden.

Besides his family he leaves 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Those present at the funeral from a distance were: Two of Mrs. Kotas brothers, George Dolezal, of Eldon, Ia., Paul Dolezal and wife, of Solon, Ia.; two nieces Mrs. A.E. Servoy and Mrs. A. Kuba, of Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kral, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kral, Mrs. Michael Shuplter, Mrs. John Rhyne, Mr. and Mrs. John Clausen, Mrs. Theodore Bundt and son, all of Vail, and Mr. and Mrs. John Wisner, of Coon Rapids.