Obituary of Gilbert Koteras

Gilbert L. Koteras, born June 3, 1944 in Houston, Texas to Ignatius and Martha Nowak Koteras, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023, at the age of 79, in Houston, Texas. His parents were both Polish and he was very proud to be a Polack!

Gilbert was preceded in death by both his parents and his brothers, Alley Koteras and his wife, Virgie, and Albin Koteras.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Fenn Koteras; his daughters, Tiffaney Koteras Whiteside and her husband, Stephen Whiteside of Austin, Courtney Koteras Smith and her husband, Paul Smith of Manhattan, Kansas; his grandchildren, Drayton Whiteside, Ashlyn Whiteside, Hayley Smith and Lindsey Smith; his sister, Carol Koteras Melia-Copeland of Austin; his brothers, Frankie Koteras and his wife Connie of Tucson, Arizona, and James Koteras of Houston; as well as many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, Brother Knights, and lifelong friends.

Gilbert was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and a super grandfather, who was called “Papa Gil.”  He was a very hard working, smart man.  Some might say a great “handyman” to have around. He could literally fix anything and usually had left over parts!

Gilbert worked many jobs throughout his life. He worked at the neighborhood drugstore, threw a newspaper route, and worked at the Houston Chronicle with his brother Albin to help pay for his education. His father-in-law, Boyd Fenn, helped him get a job at Sears and Roebuck as a mechanic and he eventually became a manager in the lawn mower shop at Sears. His first insurance job was at American General where he worked for several years. Gilbert was a claims insurance adjuster and eventually became a claims manager. He worked for many more years in several other insurance companies before retirement in 2018 at the age of 74.

Gilbert was a devout Catholic who went to Christ the King Grammar School, St. Thomas High School, class of 1963, and was an active member of the St. Rose of Lima community. He joined the United States Marine Corps in March of 1965 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for basic training and was a reservist until March of 1971.

Gilbert met his wife Patricia on a blind date in 1961 with their friends Frank Kainer and Ann Storenski at a movie theater in downtown Houston. They went to each other’s Junior and Senior proms together and continued to date until they married on October 9, 1966. Gil and Pat got married at Holy Name Catholic Church and honeymooned in New Orleans. In 1967, their first daughter, Tiffaney, was born and then in 1971, Courtney was born.

Gilbert became a member of Knights of Columbus, Council 2917 in September 1962 and was an active member for 61 years giving him honorary life-membership. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 620.

He had many passions, including hunting, fishing, gardening, gambling, bowling, golfing, grocery shopping, grilling, cooking, eating, and drinking! In his spare time, he also enjoyed helping Pat with her many volunteer work projects and filling the yard with seasonal decorations! Some of his treasured possessions were his family home in Chappell Hill, Texas, his tool collection, and his 1935 Chevrolet pickup truck.

Gilbert beat Cancer three times! First in 2000, when he had colon-rectal cancer; in 2017, with tongue and throat cancer; and then in 2022 with skin cancer. Unfortunately, after the tongue/throat cancer, he suffered from the complications of lymphedema and had difficulties swallowing. Even after all that, he was then diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia that were both beginning to worsen.

Gilbert was loved by many and he would usually offer you a beer (Piwo) when he first met you!

Gilbert NEVER complained about anything. He never said “Why me?” He just kept fighting the fight!

In Gilbert’s words, “Dziekuje” (thank you) to everyone for supporting our family! We will miss him terribly!

A viewing and visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, July 31, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St., Houston, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 also at St. Rose of Lima Catholic.  There will be a visitation prior to the service. A Luncheon will be held following the funeral.

The Rite of Committal will follow at Brookside Cemetery, 13401 Eastex Freeway, in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following organizations that meant

so much to Gilbert:

1. St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 7700

2. Northside Columbus Club or Knights of Columbus, Council 2917, 607 E. Whitney Dr., Houston, Texas 77022

3.The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Research Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX. 77210-4486