Obituary Elmer F. Kotek, 85, of East Peoria, formerly of Pharr, TX passed away at 7:07am on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at his home. He was born February 3, 1928 in Middle Ridge, WI to Frank and Adeline Arentz Kotek. He married Jean L. Larson, daughter of Chester and Charlotte Larson of LaCrosse, WI, on September 9, 1950 in LaCrosse; she survives. Also surviving are their children, Karen Thomas of East Peoria, Jane (Tom Dechnik) Young of Villa Park, Connie (Barry) Wexler of Lawrence, IN, Tom (Deborah) Kotek of Wentzville, MO, David (Jo Gibson) Kotek of Milwaukee, and Dan Kotek of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Tammy Harrison, Philip (Carrie) Thomas, Sarah Kotek, Ryan (Laura) Kotek, and Justin (Kimberly) Kotek; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Brody Harrison, and Adeline and Cora Kotek; and a brother, James (Doris) Kotek. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wilford Kotek, and a sister, Lillian Kaiser. Elmer served his country with the US Navy in World War II and the Korean War. He worked for the Trane Co. in LaCrosse, WI and retired from Continental Can in Milwaukee, and spent that retirement in Pharr, TX for 30 years. He was very active in the American Legion, serving as commander of his post. He enjoyed volunteering his time with the elderly, as well as, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and pool. Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am Thursday, December 19, 2013 at St. Monica Catholic Church, East Peoria. Visitation will be one half hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at a later date in Mormon-Coulee Memorial Park, LaCrosse, WI. Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory, East Peoria is serving the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation. Visitation DEC 19. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM St. Monica's Catholic Church 303 Campanile East Peoria, IL, US Service DEC 19. 11:00 AM St. Monica's Catholic Church 303 Campanile East Peoria, IL, US