Richard Kottra

Richard Edward Kottra, age 90, of Arlington Heights, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. He was born on July 13, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Ann (Kiefer) Kottra. Rich proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran and went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a professional pilot. For most of his career, he flew corporate jets for Sears Roebuck Co.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles, and his beloved wife, Jeanette (nee Rychlewski) Kottra, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.

He is survived by his devoted son, Christopher, his loving daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Lia, and Zachary, whom he loved supporting in all their academic and athletic pursuits; and his Aunt Barbara, with whom he shared an especially close bond. Rich was also a loving uncle, great uncle, and great-great uncle to many; and maintained deep, lifelong friendships that he greatly treasured.

A faithful parishioner of St. Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove, Rich took great pride in serving as an usher at the 8:00 a.m. mass on Sundays, a role he carried out with dedication. In his leisure time, he was an avid golfer and a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Morning visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.