Walter "Wally" Joseph Kotar, 81, of Solon, Iowa was born on April 1, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, the oldest child of Joseph and Lorraine Kotar. On Sunday, July 2, 2023, he passed away at The Birdhouse of Iowa City surrounded by loved ones after a short but valiant battle with cancer.
Wally graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Illinois. He went on to a career in structural steel detailing in the Cedar Rapids area, where he and his wife, Nancy raised three children.

He is survived by Nancy Kotar of Cedar Rapids, his children, Brad (Rochelle) Kotar of Solon, Iowa, Julie (Dave) Merhar of Elmhurst, Illinois and Andrea Kotar of Solon, Iowa; his grandchildren, Derrick (Ashley) Loveless, Ryen (Tyler) Milano, Abby Merhar, Nash Kotar, Coltin (Steve) Lappin-Lux, as well as two great-grandchildren, Derrin and Flora Loveless. He is also survived by sister, Betty Kotar and preceded in death by sister Carole Nagel.

Wally had a great love of the outdoors and was an avid Cubs fan, fisherman, gardener and birdwatcher. He also greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren at their many sports events and spending time bowling with his friends at Lancer Lanes.

His family would like to thank his friends at Lancer Lanes and the North Twin View Heights neighborhood for their support and friendship over the years, as well as The Birdhouse of Iowa City and Solon Nursing Care Center for their care and support in the last few months.

Burial will be private with a memorial service to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to The Birdhouse of Iowa City www.thebirdhousejc.org .