Walter Raino Kotka was born to parents Abram Putio and Mary Elizabeth Kotka in Dayton, Oregon on September 17th, 1921 and grew up in the farm community of Hopewell. He joined the U.S. Army in 1945. Following his time in the service, Walt worked as a mechanic and later in sales in the construction equipment manufacturing industry. He met Venita Mock in Salem, Oregon when she was visiting family in the summer of 1950. He followed Venita back home to Colorado where they married and lived for a year before they moved to Portland, and started a family. In 1963, the family moved to a small farm in Scappoose, Oregon just outside Portland where he enjoyed raising a variety of livestock. Walt is predeceased by 4 brothers, Bill, John, Elmer, and Mike; and 2 Sisters Ella Cowls, and Marie Wagner. Survivors include his loving wife Venita; a sister, Helen Dykes; his sons, Jeff and Randy; six grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place in Columbia River Foursquare Church, 555 Commons Drive, St. Helens, Oregon, on Saturday, September 15th, at 4pm.
Please visit Walt’s Internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com
