Rick Lee Kotschwar

Oct. 12, 1950 - March 9, 2010

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Rick Lee Kotschwar died Tuesday (March 9, 2010) at Kendred Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. He was 59 years old.

Rick was born on Oct. 12, 1950, in McCook to Stanley D. "Jiggs" and Patricia Ann (Schleeman) Kotschwar. He entered the U.S. Marines and was honorably discharged shortly thereafter due to health problems.

Rick became a chef at the young age of 18, for Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. At one time, he was the youngest chef in Las Vegas. He got his start being a bus boy for Caesar's Palace while still in high school. Rick was a chef for over 22 years. He was also a meat salesman for over 19 years.

He was united in marriage to Linda Coppage. They made their home in Las Vegas.

His hobbies included putting together model airplanes, cars and ships. He loved to talk and spend time with family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, George and Wilma Schleeman, Leo and Anastacia Kotschwar and nephew, Brian Edwards.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Kotschwar of Las Vegas; his daughter, Christina and husband, Jason Thurman of Henderson, Nev.; his parents, Jiggs and Pat Kotschwar of Stratton; two sisters, Cindy Schaible of St. Paul and Rhonda Glinsmann of Grand Island; grandsons, Kevin and Andrew of Henderson; nieces and nephew, Christopher Edwards of Dodge, Neb., and Anastacia and Kayla Glinsman of Grand Island; and great-nephew, Evan Edwards of Elkhorn.

Memorials may be given in his name.

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

Graveside memorial services will be Thursday, March 25, 2010, 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

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