Gary Eugene Kotrba

Gary Eugene Kotrba, born July 28, 1945, passed away on May 7, 2026, entering the presence of his Lord and Savior. God offered His hand to guide Gary to the place prepared for him.

Gary graduated from Wayland High School in 1963, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, track, and football, and was voted Most Athletic of his senior class. His love of sports continued throughout his life as he played semi‑pro football and spent 25 years running 5K and 10K races.

Right out of high school, Gary began working at Spartan Stores, completing 35 years before retiring. He later worked for the DNR in Barry County, the Pennock Hospital Fitness Center, and spent 10 years at Mullenhurst Golf Course. Gary loved to work and work hard—he never slowed down. At his 30‑acre farm, he often cut and sold up to 60 cords of wood each season. He also loved hunting, and one of his greatest memories was harvesting his first elk in Colorado.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene August Kotrba and Virginia Mae Merren, and his brother Jim “Shoes” Kotrba. His speed on the track was known by all.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Lee Noble‑Kotrba, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage; his children Janine (Frank) Cordes, Janell (Brad) Kotrba‑Takacs, Jayne Kotrba, Gregory (Beth) Kotrba, and Keasha Briones Kotrba; grandchildren Hope Garcia, Jessica Root, Richard (Jessica) Root III, Zachary (McKinlay) Root, Kyle Cordes, Frankie Cordes IV, Nathan Takacs, Amy Takacs, Haleigh Kotrba, Gabriel, Taryn, Ka’eo, Jadi, Talon, Isiah, Grace, Sophia, 13 great‑grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June, and will published on the website once decided. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home; condolences may be left at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.