Louis Frank Kotera, Jr. was born July 8, 1915 on a farm near Highmore, South Dakota, the son of Alois Sr. and Mary (Bohuslavsky) Kotera and passed away in Seward, Nebraska on April 10, 2014 at the age of 98 years, 9 months, 2 days. At the age of four years Louis' family moved near Brainard, Nebraska where he attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and Church. In 1929, he moved to a farm southeast of Dwight. Louis was united in marriage to Marie Veronica Policky on September 27, 1938 in Dwight and their marriage was blessed with eight children. After their marriage, they farmed in several locations before moving to Bee, where they lived for 52 years. Louis was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Men's Club. He was an active member in the Bee community, serving on the Village Board, as Mayor, with the Volunteer Fire Department and on the School Board for many years. Louis worked at the Bee Co-op for 20 years and served as the manager for 10 years. He was also sexton of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery for over 20 years. Louis will be remembered for his work ethic, his generous nature, sense of humor, and capacity to enjoy the simple things in life. Louis is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Marie Kotera; brothers, Ernie Kotera and Edward Kotera and sister, Rose Furasek. Survivors include children and spouses, Geraldine "Gerry" and Leroy Policky, Green Valley, AZ, Ray and Joann Kotera, Surprise, AZ, Al and Susie Kotera, Lincoln, Richard and Jeanette Kotera, Elgin, IL, Clarence "Chuck" and Susan Kotera, Seward, Jerome and Lynnette Kotera, Wahoo, Bernie and Linda Kotera, Huntley, IL, Barb and Ron German, Roca; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Helen Eller, Valparaiso; sister-in-law, Dorothy Kotera, Seward; numerous nieces and nephews and friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers, and memories of life shared with Louis.