Kurt D. Votaw

Kurt D. Votaw. 72.  Passed away on March 7, 2016 in an Alzheimer's Assisted Living Facility.  He was born on August 4, 1943 to Artie M. Votaw in DeKalb, IL.  He was named for one of the founding fathers of DeKalb Clinic, Dr. Kurt Biss, who delivered him.  He was raised by his mother and his loving grandparents, Sam and Eliza Votaw.

Kurt worked for the City of DeKalb, DeKalb Township, Stahl Construction, and retired from Hintzsche Fertilizer.  At times during his early years he and his brothers delivered pizzas for Pizza Villa, their favorite pizza.

He enjoyed many activities in his life: bowling, bingo, golf, woodworking, word puzzles, 1000 piece puzzles, his pick-up trucks, his work semis, his dachshunds, working in the yard, buying lottery tickets and vacations in Las Vegas, Laughlin, and Reno, NV where he loved playing the slots and keno. More importantly, he loved his family above all else.

He was taken under the wing of Jim Culver, owner of Culver Construction, who taught Kurt how to grade and dig basements for new construction in the Hillcrest area of DeKalb.  With this skill and others acquired, in 1973 Kurt took on the task of building his family a new home in Sycamore, IL which remained his home until he entered the nursing home in December 2015.

Kurt is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara; his son, Michael D. Votaw of Genoa, IL; his daughter, Valerie L. Votaw of Sycamore, IL, and his beloved granddaughter, Alexis Votaw of Sycamore, IL.  He is also survived by his uncle, Carl Votaw, of Texas; his brother, Arnold Seldal (Martha) of OK; Loren Seldal of DeKalb, IL; Linda (Terry) Soltow of Belvidere, IL; Debbie Elliott of DeKalb, IL; and Lillian Farris of Sycamore, IL; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Katherine and John Gress; many special cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and doxie, Winnie.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother; his stepfather, Elliott Seldal; his uncles, Ray, and S.G; his aunts, Maggie and Virgie; a special uncle-in-law, Bill Jensen; his brother, Wayne, and several cousins, friends and beloved doxies.

The family would like to thank Dr. R. Patel, Dr. P. Patel, Dr. D. Thakkar, and Dr. A. Ta for his medical care.  Also Kish Health Systems Transitions program under the guidance of Sue Goudy and Larry Wood for the weekly drives around DeKalb County.

In addition the family would like to thank the staff of DeKalb Adult Day Care, the VAC Drivers, and the neighbors on his street for the care and concern they showed him and his wife during his final year at home.

A private celebration of Kurt's life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements for cremation have been made through Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.  The family thanks Sam Finch and Craig Roman.