WILLIAM J. KOTHERA

William J. Kothera, 90 of Hiram Twp., passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Briar Hill Health Care Residence in Middlefield. He was born February 7, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio to Edward and Ella (Wright) Kothera.

Bill served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army in WWII in the “Battle of the Bulge” under General Patton and was a member of the honor guard for President Roosevelt. Mr. Kothera is a Purple Heart recipient as well as the American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/2 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a well-known mason contractor and was general manager of Sugarbush Golf Course in the late 60’s-early 70’s. He was a former president of the Garfield Athletic Boosters and was instrumental in putting up the lights and bleachers at the football field, as well as being active in forming the Hot Stove baseball league in Hiram. He loved golfing, bowling and fishing and enjoyed going to Canada with his friends. He enjoyed all activities that he could share with his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife Katharine Ann (Skiba) Kothera whom he married June 6, 1947, children Lee (Sandy) of Hiram, Clark (Sharyn) of Charlotte, NC and Krisann (Mitch) Collins of Newton Falls, step-daughter, Kathy Moorehouse; grandchildren, Cody, Pam, Greg, Kim, Connie, Curt, Carla, Kelliann, Kassi, Kortni and Kirsti, step-grandchildren Katie and Steven and great-grandchildren Stephanie, Nikki, Lindsay, Luke, Justin, Cameron, Maggie, Ella, Clara, Kyla, Carson, Sophia and Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, George, Ed, Tom and Chuck and sisters Gert and Eleanor.

Calling hours are 2-5 PM on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio 44231 followed by full military honors at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Hiram. Contributions in Mr. Kothera’s name may be made to the Hiram Fire Fighters Association, PO Box 234, Hiram, Ohio 44234. On-line condolences at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com .