Terry H Kotila

TERRY HERBERT KOTILA November 25, 1965 - October 25, 2014 Terry Herbert Kotila, age 48, a life long Menahga, MN area resident, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at St. Joseph's Area Health Services in Park Rapids, MN following a valiant battle against cancer. Terry was born on November 25, 1965 in Park Rapids to Martin and Martha (Haataja) Kotila. He attended public school in Menahga where he graduated with the Class of 1982. As a young man, Terry operated a three mile trap line which he walked every morning before hurrying back to the farm to help his dad milk cows, clean barn and feed the cattle in time to catch the school bus. After high school, Terry began working for Menahga Concrete in a career that spanned over 28 years. He learned how to skillfully operate all the equipment needed to manufacture concrete blocks. At the age of 22, Terry was briefly married and was blessed with the birth of two daughters: Heidi and Holly. On September 17, 1998, Terry's life was made complete through the marriage to his wife and soul mate, Karen Huntington. Terry was an avid outdoorsman who loved to spend time as much time as possible in the forests and on the fields that graced his family's farm. He loved to trap, hunt, fish and scout through the lands surrounding his home. A real joy in his life was designing and building his home on forty acres of land from the family farm where he built his home. He loved to salvage and recycle scrap metal and earned a good side income in this endeavor. Each spring he would plant a large vegetable garden which covered 2 ½ to 5 acres which he would nurture into fruitful abundance to can for his family and friends. He also enjoyed rebuilding old tractors in his spare time. Terry will long be remembered by many for his delicious cooking and baking talents. Above all, Terry devoted his life to his family and friends who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his precious wife, Karen of Menahga; his two daughters: Heidi Kotila of Germany and Holly Kotila of Park Rapids; his parents: Martin and Martha Kotila of Menahga; his two dearly loved sisters: Julie (Ken) Dickinson of Park Rapids and Kathy (Tony) Moore of West Virginia; three brothers: James Kotila of Wadena, David Kotila of Park Rapids and Melvin (Angie) Kotila of Brainerd; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Terry was preceded in death by his sister, Corrine who died in 2013; his grand parents and numerous aunts and uncles who he was looking forward to seeing in heaven. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, October 31, 2014 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga, MN with Rev. Art Skoog officiating. The casket bearers will be: Cody Fransen, Brandon Fransen, David Kotila, Melvin Kotila, Shane Kotila and Kenny Dickinson. Randy Riemann will serve as an honorary casket bearer. Interment will be made in the Shell City Cemetery of rural Menahga, MN. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service on Friday. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.