Kolin Craig Kotas

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Kolin Craig Kotas, a compassionate, humble, and generous soul, who departed this life on March 28, 2024, at the age of 36. Kolin was born in Beatrice, Nebraska on April 2, 1987, to Larry and Sondra Kotas. Kolin made his home in Odell, Nebraska for the last 10 years of his life. He married Brittney Vitosh on June 20, 2009, he was a reliable and loving husband and a devoted father to their three beautiful children, Kyler Carey, Kasen Bradley, and Saylor Marie. He is remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and community pillar, always going the extra mile to help others. His sister Kandice was his biggest supporter and was there for him whenever he needed her. Kolin's love and support for his family and community was a testament to his character, always putting them first and taking pride in their accomplishments. Kolin attended Diller Elementary and graduated from Diller-Odell High School in 2006. Kolin was a hardworking man who found his passion in construction while working for Theye Construction throughout high school. Kolin pursued his interest further by graduating from Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Building Construction Technology. He worked at Duncan Aviation in the cabinet shop. He then worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the construction management department. After moving back home, he worked at Diode Communications. In 2016, Kolin started his own business, Kotas Construction, which he owned and operated until his death. His hard work and dedication to his craft were evident in all he did. Outside of work, Kolin was a man of many hobbies and interests. He loved playing golf, going to races, watching dirt track racing, hunting, and fishing. Kolin was an avid Husker and Chiefs fan. He enjoyed cooking and grilling, working 4-H livestock, camping with the Andersen’s, and working cattle with Brock and Blake. A sports enthusiast, who had a dream to start Diller-Odell Youth Sports to develop the youth of the school system. He volunteered at many Monday night open gyms, and endless hours of football, basketball, and baseball practices. He served on the school board for four years. Kolin and Brittney even hosted and organized Griffin Golf for 10 years, raising money for Griffin Athletics. Kolin was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Diller, Nebraska. He was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell, participating in various church activities, bell choir, and church council. He was also instrumental in building the new church, generously offering his skills for the betterment of the congregation. His compassion and humility were evident in his service to others, as he volunteered at the Diller Volunteer Fire Department and the Odell Volunteer Fire Department for a total of 10 years. Kolin is survived by his wife, Brittney; their children, Kyler, Kasen, and Saylor; his parents, Larry and Sondra Kotas; sister, Kandice (Patrick) Jurgens; and their children Madison (special friend Chase), & Austin (special friend Skylar); parents-in-law, Brad and Amy Vitosh; brother-in-law, Shane (Laine) Vitosh; their children Audrey & Mellie; sister-in-law, Morgan (J.T.) Toensing; their children Judah & Ava; grandfather, Robert Kotas; grandmother-in-law Judy Henrichs; uncles and aunts, Joyce Craig, Marcia (John) Sivley, Vicki (Ralph) Check; uncles and aunts-in-law, Brian (special friend Deena) Vitosh, Bruce (Gwen) Vitosh, Rhonda (Larry) Zarybnicky, Allan (Deb) Henrichs, Cheryl (Jon) Palmquist, and numerous cousins, and special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur E., Sr. and Sylvie Craig, Arthur and Margaret Reese, Mildred Kotas; uncle Arthur E. “Butch” Craig; grandparents-in-law Melvin and Lylah Vitosh; grandfather-in-law Walt Henrichs; uncle-in-laws Carey Henrichs and Barry Henrichs. A register book will be available during the public visitation held at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice, Nebraska on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. A family prayer service will follow on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell, Nebraska. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at the church at 11:00 AM, which will also be live-streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/kolin-kotas. Private inurnment service will be held at a later date at the Odell Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, a memorial has been established for Kolin's Children's College Fund with the funeral home in charge. We invite you to leave your memories of Kolin and upload photos, and watch his video tribute and service on his memorial page at www.ghchapel.com. Your shared experiences and tributes will serve as a comfort to his family and a testament to the life of this remarkable man. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.

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