John F. Gotha, 90 yrs, of Ida, died Monday, July 5th, in Toledo Hospital, Sylvania. Friends may call at the Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, Thursday from 11 AM until 9 PM, with the Rosary being recited at 7 PM, followed by an American Legion Service. He will lie in state at St. Joseph Church, Ida, Friday, from 10 AM until the Mass of Resurrection at 11 AM. Fr. John LaCasse and Fr. Robert Bauer will co-officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ida.

John was born June 12, 1920, in Maybee, the son of Frank and Bertha (Steinman) Gotha. He served with the US Army from November 1942 to March 1946 in the Rhineland and Central Europe, receiving the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, the Good Conduct Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. John married Marie C. Billmaier September 21, 1946. She died October 6, 1990. He then married Geraldine Cousino Volpi October 11, 1996. A carpenter, his company was known as John Gotha Builders. He retired in May of 1999. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, a member of its Ushers Club, and ran the Feather Parties. He was a Life Member of Lynn C. Weeman American Legion Post 514, of which he was Past Commander, Treasurer, and helped with Boys State.

Survivors include: his wife Gerry; sons, James (Loretta) Gotha, John R. (Carol) Gotha, Stepson, Tony (Cathy) Volpi; daughters, Elizabeth (James) Goda, Mary (Douglas) Schultz, Patricia Hicks, stepdaughters, Michelle (Michael) Price, Yvonne Patterson; brothers, Benjamin (Margaret) Gotha, Harold (Janice) Gotha; sisters, Esther Rupp, Mary (Joseph) Lehr, Louise (Arthur) Dussia; twelve grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, nine step grandchildren, and seven step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; brothers Arthur and Frank; sisters, Elizabeth Grodi and Pearl Gotha, and a stepson, Michael Volpi.

Memorial contributions for Mr. Gotha may be made to: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ida, or Lynn C. Weeman, American Legion Post 514.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.capaulfuneralhome.com.

John F. Gotha

1920 - 2010