With his family members at his side, Kevin J. Cota passed away peacefully on November 23, 2018, after a short battle with cancer, he was 70 years old. Those who knew him will remember his sharp wit and his gentle, kindhearted spirit. They will miss him greatly. Kevin was born to Enid and George Cota on January 19, 1948, in La Crosse, Wis. Soon thereafter, the young family moved to Eau Claire where Kevin would live for much of his life. From a young age, Kevin had a wanderlust and an interest in the greater world around him. He was well-known in the Cota's neighborhood as the boy with a penchant for "running away" from home, and friends & neighbors were often tasked with locating the young adventurer. At the age of seven, Kevin made his first trip across the Atlantic Ocean, to visit England with his mother and his sister. That trip marked the beginning of Kevin's lifelong fondness for the British Isles. He returned multiple times to visit his family's ancestral homeland, and he enjoyed British literature, films, and music. In his last days, he was reading a book of English short-story mysteries. Kevin graduated from Eau Claire Regis High School in 1966 and went on to attend UW-Eau Claire. He was an activist for peace during the Vietnam War, and he later worked for Triniteam Inc., writing grants and working with the nonprofit agency's released-prisoner program. Kevin's interests and hobbies were varied. Among other things, he liked reading books, watching movies, writing the occasional poem, keeping up on current events, playing trivia, dining out (especially Sammy's Pizza), and spending time with family and friends. Kevin is survived by his mother, Enid Cota; sisters, Joneen (Tom) Dexter and Sandy (Bob) Hyatt; nephews, Justin Hyatt, Jason Hyatt, David (Dani) Dexter, and Ryan (Melissa) Dexter; great-nieces, Rory, Lilly, and Ava; and great-nephew, Jameson. He was preceded in death by his father, George Cota. A celebration of remembrance will be held at Noon, on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. Eau Claire with Father John Schultz officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, December 15 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home 814 First Ave Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Saturday, December 15 2018 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home 814 First Ave Eau Claire WI 54703