Maurice Cotant

Maurice Maury E. Cotant, Jr. passed away December 14, 2015, with his family by his side.He was born July 22, 1930, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Maurice and Marie (Mester) Cotant. He graduated from Central High School in Sioux City, Iowa.Maury was working in advertising and display at JCPenney when he met the love of his life, Joan, who was working there as a sign girl. They were married November 2, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas, where he served in the military police at Fort Hood during the Korean War. Following his time in the military, he returned to JCPenney. He retired as the advertising and display manager in Sheboygan after 40 years-a loyalty that defined the life Maury led.In many ways, working at JCPenney was a perfect fit for Maurys attention to detail, creativity and fondness for dressing sharply. Between his appearance and demeanor, Maury was a gentlemans gentleman. He also was incredibly funny. Till his last days, he was known for tossing out a one-liner, turning a phrase or simply making a funny face to make people laugh. His stints as emcee of the annual JCPenney holiday parties were legendary. Maury was active at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Sheboygan--painting, serving on committees and participating in Clowns for Christ. He was meticulously organized with his home, yard and succession of Pontiacs. The family looked forward to his expertise in decorating and gift-wrapping for the holidays. Maury was a film and boxing buff who routinely lifted weights and exercised until he was no longer able. He loved helping people, playing pool, Frank Sinatra, traveling by car, reading and chocolate. He loved his family deeply and nothing brought him more joy then spending time with his wife and the rest of his family. He shared a passion for cars with his father, was attentive to his mother and cherished his sister. He is survived by his children, Toni McGrath of Plymouth, Dana Cotant (Renaye Leach) of Mount Horeb, Kim Cotant (Ted Parker) of Madison and Pamela Cotant (Mike Farin) of Madison; grandchildren, Alicia (Mitch) Spaulding and Rachelle (Tong) Yang; Alexander, Zachary, Ryan and Myranda Cotant; Lianna Cotant (Chris Lomen) and Austin Cotant; and Garrett Farin; great-grandchildren, Devon Main and Preston Spaulding, Isabelle Torres, Iverson and Xadian Yang and one on the way; brother-in-law Troy Buddy Graves; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan in 2012; his parents, Maurice E. Cotant, Sr. and Marie Henaman; his sister, Georgette Georgie Graves; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Virgil and Jean Fillbach and Belva and Homer Greenleaf; and his niece, Caroline Fillbach.Funeral Services will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 623 Ontario Avenue, on Monday, December 21 at 12 Noon with Pastor Henry Verfuerth presiding. Burial at Wildwood Cemetery. A time of visitation and support will be at the church from 10:30 AM until the time of the service. Memorials can be made in his name for St. Luke United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.The family would like to thank his caregivers who loved and appreciated him as he dealt with his dementia with strength, grace and dignity.