Stanley DeWayne 'Jiggs' Kotschwar

May 24, 1933 - Aug. 22, 2010

STRATTON, Nebraska -- Stanley DeWayne "Jiggs" Kotschwar died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at his home in Stratton. He was 77 years old.

Jiggs was born on May 24, 1933, at Hamlet to Leo and Anastacia (Wasia) Kotschwar. He attended school in Red Willow County and later served with the National Guard.

On March 2, 1953, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Schleeman. To this union three children were born. They made their home in McCook where Jiggs worked for McCook Platte Valley Public Power. He was transferred to Gothenburg and worked for the power company. In 1962, they moved to the Las Vegas, Nevada area where Jiggs was an electrician working at the Mercury Test Sight and built transmission lines and sub-stations. In 1971, they moved to Oakley, Kansas and then to the Stratton community in 1975. He retired in 2003 when his health started failing.

Jiggs was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He enjoyed working in his yard, watching birds, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Leo and Anastacia Kotschwar; son, Rick Kotschwar; grandson, Brian Edwards; two brothers, Donald and Vernon; and seven sisters, Laurine, Ruth, Thelma, Alice, Shirley, Jackie and Phyllis.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Pat Kotschwar of Stratton; daughters, Cindy Schaible of St. Paul and Rhonda Glinsmann of Grand Island; brother, Kent Kotschwar of McCook; sister, LaVerna Ely of McCook; four grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Edwards of Dodge, Staci and Kayla Glinsmann of Grand Island and Christina (Justin) Thurman of Henderson, Nevada; three great-grandchildren, Evan Edwards of Dodge, Kevin and Andrew Thurman of Henderson and one great-grandchild coming; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the St. Jude's Cancer Research.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Graveside memorial services will be Tuesday, Aug. 24, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.