Simon Kotara Obituary

Simon "Sam" Kotara, 76, of Karnes City Texas, entered into eternity on October 31, 2024. He was a man of hard work, perseverance and faith who left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and community. Sam was born on August 25, 1948, to Faustina "Tina" Woytasczyk and Simon "Sam" Kotara Sr.
After he graduated from Karnes City High School in 1967, he went on to study at Southwest Texas State before returning home to manage the family farm. Sam met Sue Ellen "Susie" Grothues and entered into Holy matrimony on February 7, 1976, in San Antonio. They went on to be blessed with four children, Alexander, Jessica, Amy and Joseph. To provide for his family, Sam worked as a lab technician for Aqualon. His career required many late-night shifts that enabled him to continue farming and ranching. It is in this role that his grandchildren fondly remember him calling "pizza, nah, nah" to draw the cattle to the truck for treats, so they could throw out handfuls of cubes. These excursions were often followed by a trip to DQ for ice cream. Beyond his work, Sam was devoted to his community. He served as a volunteer with the local fire department, including many years as a Fire Marshal and finally as a board member for the Emergency Service District, protecting his community with humility and bravery. He was also deeply committed to the preservation and celebration of his Polish roots through his active involvement with the Panna Maria Historical Society and the Polish Heritage Center, where he spent countless hours bringing a vision into reality. In 2008, Sam retired and spent time traveling with Susie, enjoying cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean; train trips through Canada; trekking through Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Ireland with the grandkids; and multiple heritage trips to Poland, returning most recently in August 2024. When they weren't traveling they spent time relaxing at their river cabin in Leakey, TX.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents and beloved son, Joseph, whose memory he cherished every day.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Susie; his three children with their spouse, Alex and Alicia Kotara, Jessica and Tim Pierce, Amy and Tim Davis; and eight grandchildren, Alexia, Isabella, and Aviana Kotara, Mikayla, Sean, and Hailey Pierce, Connor and Harper Davis, who will always remember their grandfather for his work ethic, generosity, and deep love for family. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Schirmer; and nephew, Mark McDonald.
His life was a testament to his faith, which carried him through all trials and joys. He was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, where he worshiped and served for many years.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Panna Maria, Texas. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. that evening. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 4th at 2:00 p.m., also at the Church, with a reception following at the Polish Heritage Center. The burial will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Panna Maria Cemetery. May his soul rest in peace.
The family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Polish Heritage Center in his memory. Likewise, they invite you to visit this modern museum that captures the perseverance of those who dared to cross the Atlantic to begin a new life and the impact of those families on Karnes County and surrounding areas.
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