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Nov
02

Kotila, Nels Mark 43

Nels Mark Kotila, 43, of Cokato, MN was called suddenly to his Heavenly home on November 1, 2019, while he was in the field doing the work he loved.

Nels was born in Litchfield, MN, to Mark and Joan Kotila on December 29, 1975. He grew up on the family farm north of Cokato and lived within half a mile of the farm his whole life except for a short time in town. Nels graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1994.

Growing up, Nels helped his dad milking cows and growing crops on their farm. He enjoyed many hours working and learning alongside his dad in the shop and in their excavating business. He was very mechanically gifted, and was capable of fixing most things.

Nels had a great enthusiasm for life. He had many hobbies which included working on heavy equipment, tinkering in the shop with his brothers and dad, ice fishing, snowmobiling, camping, motorcycle trips, visiting and cooking. Nels always enjoyed being with family and friends, but most important to him was his childlike faith.

Nels and Mary were wed on August 16, 2014. They were married for five short, blissful years, and lived life to the fullest. They were blessed with two daughters and a son.

His big smile and kind, gentle ways will forever be remembered.

Nels is survived by his wife, Mary (Wittenberg, Mattila), children Kevin (Savannah) Mattila, Allison (Hunter) Josephson, Hanna and Gretchen Mattila, Louise, Kate, and Russell Kotila; grandchildren Wynn & Lucy Mattila and Gus Josephson. Mother, Joan Kotila, Siblings Annika (Samuel) Mattila, Mitchell (Eetta), Bridget (Jeffrey) Ylitalo, Jack (Leah), Natasha (Greg) Jurvakainen, Colin (Kayla), Julie (Patrick) Lake, Ashley (Nathan) Lake, Tatiana (Eric) Wittenberg, Jordan (fiancé Linda Haataja), Taylor (Josh) Wuollet, Shauna (Kyle) Davison. Father and mother-in-law Paul and Sue Wittenberg, sisters and brothers-in-law, many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Nels is preceded in death by his dad Mark Kotila, Grandparents Nels and Ardyce Kotila, and Paul and Millie Raisanen.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church. Visitation will take place at the church from 4-8 PM with 7 PM prayer on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 and continue 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com