Regina Gertrude Kotowske

Regina Gertrude Kotowske

Cedar Rapids

Regina Gertrude Kotowske, 103, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her residence. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 26, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church by Rev. Jon Seda. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery. A rosary will be recited with a vigil service to follow at 4 p.m. on Thursday at Teahen Funeral Home, 3100 F Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. Those not attending the vigil or rosary service may visit with the family from 4:45 p.m. until 7 p.m., or after 9:30 a.m. at the church on Friday.

Regina is survived by her children, James (Kathryn) of Oxford, Judith (Anthony) Tieber of Bonita, CA, Susan (Jeffrey) Stepanek of North Liberty and Gary (Beverly) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Craig (Beth), Janel (Dennis), Sandra, Brian, Zachary (Lindsey) and Kent (Susan); five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Rita Gerner of Garber and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Hugh Kotowske and George Wortman; sisters, Aloysia Kasel, Colette Oyen, and Laura Ann Gerner; and brothers, Marc, Al, and Ervin Gerner.

Regina, born on January 13, 1921, in North Buena Vista in Clayton County, was the daughter of Anthony and Theresa Schmidt Gerner. She married Hugh Kotowske on May 19, 1942, in Dubuque. After his passing in 1984, she married George Wortman on November 28, 1987, in Cedar Rapids. Regina dedicated many years of her career to Rockwell Collins, retiring in 1982. Notably, she held the position of the first woman purchasing agent for Rockwell. Her active involvement extended to various organizations, including a member of and was honored as Woman of the Year for the American Business Women’s Association. She was also a member and past president of the International Toast Mistress, a past president of the Cedar Rapids Camera Club, a member of the North Central Camera Club & Council, and a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Regina additionally served as a Den mother for Campfire and the Boy Scouts.

Regina found joy in a variety of activities, including fishing, camping, traveling, photography, and watercolor painting. Her passion extended to quilt making, playing cards, and hosting gatherings in her home. Not only was she a skilled homemaker, and a wonderful wife, but she was a mother extraordinaire. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Regina’s family would like to thank Dr. Christine Sindt and Dr. Scott Larson of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their excellent medical care. The family is also incredibly grateful to the staff at Melrose Meadows, Iowa City who gave their mom exceptional, loving care and was always at her side tending to her every need.

Memorials may be directed to Regina’s favorite charities: Discovery Living, 1015 Old Marion Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 or the Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mt Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.