Donald H. Cote, 83, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away peacefully with his wife, Margaret at his side, on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at his residence. Born on September 4, 1926, in Manchester, NH, he was the son of the late William A. and Nelsie I. (Lemay) Cote. He attended the schools of Manchester and came to Kenosha in September of 1967 to make his home. Don retired after 24 years in the United States Navy, entering on September 10, 1943, until his honorable discharge on September 10, 1967. He served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He was employed with St. Catherine’s Hospital as a medical technician from 1966 until his retirement in 1990. He was a foster parent for over 30 years and maintained an adult family home in Pleasant Prairie for 20 years. He was a member of Immanuel Church in Gurnee, IL. Donald was a devoted husband and a loving father to his children and grandchildren. He now lives with Christ in His Heavenly Home. Survivors include his wife, Margaret of Pleasant Prairie; five sons, Steven (Kathy) Lauer of Wheatland, David Lauer of Osseo, WI, Jeffrey (Jeanne) Lauer of Pleasant Prairie, Paul Lauer of Kenosha, and Donald (Rita) Cote, Jr. of San Francisco, CA; a foster daughter, Terri Buttera of Kenosha; two brothers, Arnold (Pauline) Cote of Manchester, NH, and Gerald Cote of Rhode Island; three sisters, Rita (Joseph) Brunell and Phyllis (Norman) Fortier, both of Manchester, NH, and Priscilla Watson of Buffalo, NY; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Crystal Marie Faith Cote, and two brothers, Roger and William Cote. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 3rd, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Crystal Marie Faith Cote Spiritual Trust would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Don’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Bob & Nikki Netter
Although we only met you one time when you came to California a few years ago, you seemed like a very nice person. I remember you came to our house for a spaghetti dinner while you were here. May you rest in peace.
Barbara Islas
To Margaret, Jeff, Jeanne, and the whole Cote Family, Our hearts, prayers, and love go out to you, during this time of the loss of your beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He was a good man who loved his family. I know that he will be missed. May God give you all the strength and hope that you will need to get through this difficult time in your lives.
Judy Migliano
April 2, 2010
When I started working at St. Catherine's Hospital one of the first wonderful people I met was Don Cote. He was such a kind and caring man. He always spoke so highly of you, Margaret, and his family. I have often thought of him in the passing years. My heart goes out to you, Steve, who is also a friend and former schoolmate, and your family. I wish I could be there in person. Sincere Condolences
Troy, Lisa, Jacob, Brandon & Tyler Cote
April 1, 2010
Grandpa Cote ~We will miss you so much. It was hard enough being so far away from you and now you are gone. We will truly cherish the picture that was taken with you and the different generations of the Cote Boys. We love you and may you Rest In Peace with the angels in Heaven. We know you will be watching over all of us.