Kenneth Hotz

Kenneth LeRoy Hotz, 91, died in Whitefish on May 2, 2012.

He was born on March 24, 1921, in Pegosa Springs, Colo., to Marion and Elizabeth (Hilliker) Hotz.

Ken graduated from high school in 1939 and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He then joined the Army Air Corps and served from 1940 until retiring as a master sergeant in 1963. Ken received many medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service Medal.

He married LaWanda B. Miner on March 24, 1949, in Rapid City, S.D.

Ken worked for F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. from 1964 until retiring in 1985.

He is survived by his wife LaWanda Hotz, of Columbia Falls; daughter Debora Hall, of Columbia Falls; daughter Anita Floden and husband John, of Stilwell, Kan.; son Kenneth Hotz, of Dayton, Minn.; daughter Pamela Gatto and husband Phil, of Buckley, Wash.; son Alan Hotz, of Aurora, Colo.; sister Minnie Johnson, of Westminster, Colo.; 21 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

No services will be held at this time. A private service for family and friends is being planned for a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Montana Veterans Home, 400 Veterans Drive, Columbia Falls MT 59912; or North Valley Senior Center, P.O. Box 676, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls MT 59912.