Stanley Cotts Obituary (1920 - 2005)

STANLEY COTTS Stanley Cotts, age 84, of Spooner, WI formerly of Menomonie died suddenly Sunday, April 24, 2005 at Spooner Health Systems in Spooner, WI. Stanley was born on October 12, 1920 to John and Maude (Kistner) Cotts in the Twp. Weston, Dunn Co., WI. He was raised on the home farm and attended elementary school at Twin Hill. Later he graduated from Dunn County Agricultural School and then Dunn County Normal School. During World War II, Stanley served overseas in the U.S. Army 103rd Division earning the rank of Battalion and Regimental Sergeant Major. He married Lorraine Skillings on June 1, 1948 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. While teaching at several area schools, he earned his masters degree attending UW-Stout and UW-Eau Claire. Stanley's passion was teaching and he devoted 45 years of his life to it. He taught at many area schools including: Waubeck, Twin Hill, Beaver Creek, Knapp and North school's. He was also Principal of Central Grade School and the first residing Principal of River Heights Elementary School. After retiring in 1985, Stanley and Lorraine moved to Big McKenzie Lake near Spooner, WI. Stanley was baptized and confirmed Peace Lutheran Church and a life long member there. In 1966, he joined the Menomonie Lions Club and later transferred to Spooner - Trego Lion's Club in 1992 where he was a very active member. Stanley received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for dedicated humanitarian services from the Lion's Club International Foundation. He was also a member of the McKenzie Lakes Association and a member of the Menomonie V.F.W. Post # 1039. He loved the outdoors especially fishing, snowmobiling and riding ATV. He looked forward to the visits from all his nieces and nephews so he could take them fishing. Stanley is survived by: His loving wife, Lorraine Cotts A brother, Darrell (Irene Skillings) Cotts of Menomonie A sister, Susie (Eugene) Weber of Menomonie Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Wanda Mortel of Menomonie Donald (Dorothy) Skillings of Menomonie Dale (Kathie) Skillings of Menomonie Marlys (Robert) Jensen of Menomonie Daniel (Marg) Skillings of Menomonie 10 nieces and 11 nephews; many great nieces and nephews His faithful companion, Buddy II; and other relatives and friends He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Brownie Mortel; and a nephew, Steven Mortel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 28, 2005 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Reverend David Whelan officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Twp. Dunn, Dunn Co., WI with Military Honors by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday, April 27th at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, and at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday.