Paul K. Kottke

Paul K. Kottke, 86, of Fond du Lac, died Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at home.He was born on January 26, 1925, in Fond du Lac, a son of Daniel T. and Elsa L. Goetsch Kottke. Paul attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1942.Paul began United States Army Air Force training in May of 1943, at Shepherd Field in Witchita Falls, Texas. He did his solo flight at Victory Field, Vernon, Texas, basic training at Enid Air Field in Oklahoma, and graduated as Second Lt. from Altus Army Air Field in Oklahoma on August 4, 1944. He later graduated as a B-24 bomber pilot while at Liberal Army Air Field, Liberal, Kansas. He entered the Air Transport Command ferrying bombers to Scotland and was an instructor for B-29 flight engineers. After being discharged in November of 1945, he remained in the Reserves until he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1985.He enrolled at Ripon College and was a member of Omega Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated in June of 1949 (one year credit for military service) with a B.A. in economics and mathematics.On August 21, 1948, he married Audrey Meta Kielsmeier at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Gail and Alan.Paul worked at Vulcan Manufacturing Company (drafting and estimating) from June of 1949 to June of 1953, when he resumed his studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating with a B.S. in civil engineering in June of 1956. He returned to Vulcan as an estimator. Upon prior owner’s death on New Year’s Day, 1970, Paul became a co-owner of the company until he became sole owner in 1984. Paul retired in February of 1991 after 42 years.After retiring, he worked part-time with Badger State Auto Auction, Woods Floral & Gifts, and Bergstrom Dealership.Paul was a charter member of Luther Memorial Church, where he served as an usher, president, school board chairman, choir member, and served on building committees for the local congregation and synod. He was a member of the Fond du Lac Yacht Club since February 4, 1958; the Kilowatt Club since January of 1970; Oakridge Conservation Club, serving also as their president; and South Hills County Club for over 31 years. Paul enjoyed attending American Institute of Steel Construction conventions, and he was also president of Central Fabricators Association for a number of years. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing bridge, hunting, sailing, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling, and bowling. Paul was an avid Packer and Badger fan and enjoyed reading. He is survived by two children: Gail (Daniel) Schaefer of Madison, and Alan (Annette) Kottke of Fond du Lac; five grandchildren: Jeremy and Mary Schaefer, and Bryan, Lauren, and Emma Kottke; and two sisters-in-law: Mrs. David Kottke-Lem (Janet), and Mrs. Daniel Kottke (Joanne).He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey on March 19, 2006; and two brothers: David M. and Daniel G. Kottke.A memorial victory service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Luther Memorial Church, 134 21st Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Neal Radichel officiating. Cremation will take place with burial in Rienzi Cemetery.The family will greet friends and relatives from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2011, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, and on Saturday at church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Luther Memorial Church.

Paul K. Kottke

January 26, 1925 - March 1, 2011