Charles Kotarski ,99, of Calumet City, Illinois passed away peacefully with loved ones around him on December 24, 2025.
He was a loving, selfless man who dedicated his life to caring for those he loved. He was a hardworking man who took joy in taking care of things. He continued to mow the lawn and shovels the snow well into his nineties. There was nothing he wouldn't try to fix.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, and son-in-law Patricia & Henry Showers, his son Thomas Chumley, his beloved wife Thelma, and his favorite cat Tiger Kotarski.
He is survived by son Larry Chumley (Diane), grandson Brett Chumley (Amanda), granddaughter Sharlee Rogers (Mark). His loving daughter Kimberly Kotarski, his grandchildren, Stephanie, Naomi Kailee, and Trinity Kotarski who helped care for him the last two years of his life, and his great grandchildren Cali, Mia, Gio Kotarski and Anahi Delgado. His granddaughters Trina Kathy, Sherry Lane, and Angela Macgillivray, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren
He was a quiet presence that leaves a huge empty space behind. But his legacy of love lives on.
Memorial Gathering will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm.
For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper--Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares..com
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