Gail Ann

Kottwitz

Gail Hein Kottwitz died peacefully at the University Hospital, Monday, July 10, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer with her husband at her side.

She was born November 30, 1955 in Watertown, Wisconsin to Carroll "Kelly" and Harriett (Jorgenson) Hein.

She was baptized in the First Methodist Church in Lake Mills where she later confirmed her faith.

She attended schools in Lake Mills, graduating in 1973. She then went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in Education from Whitewater University and later a Master's degree.

On October 12, 1975 she married James Kottwitz at Aztalan State Park. Together they had two sons, Skyler (Casey) and Joseph (Jill). She said that one of the greatest joys of her life was being a mother to them.

Gail taught in elementary school, K-5, primarily at Schurz Elementary School in Watertown, for a total of 33 years. She received recognition several times for research she did on innovative ways of teaching reading at the elementary level including the Education Foundation of Watertown grant in 2013. She established the first Relay for Life event in Lake Mills serving as chairperson or co-chair for four years and on the organizing committee for eight. In 2011 she was honored with the Community Service Award by the Lake Mills School District.

A member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church, Gail taught Sunday school for 17 years and served on the Christian Education Committee. She served as a counselor on staff at the 'primitive' church camp in Mt. Morris, WI. As the boys were growing up she was a Cub Scout leader, coached t-ball, organized the first youth contact football program and participated in leadership and coaching in any activities they were involved in.

She is survived by her husband, James; her sons, Skyler (Casey) and Joseph (Jill); parents Kelly and Harriet Hein; her brothers, Michael (Heidi), William (Sandy), David (Linda) and her sisters, Sue (Kevin) Klement, Kathy (Mark) Brendler, Loree (Lynn) Walker; mother-in-law, Pat Kottwitz; sister-in-law Jody (Glen) Wolff; three brothers-in-law, Jay (Berna), Jeff (Mary); Jed (Jesse); numerous nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Sally Pitterle.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Lake Mills Moravian Church with Rev. Jane Harberg officiating.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Claussen Funeral Home and also after 10 a.m. on Friday at the church until the time of services.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com