Terry Kotzer-Rafferty

Norma "Terry" Kotzer-Rafferty, age 78, of Pine River, MN, formerly of Holdingford, MN, passed away at her home on Friday, July 25, 2008 surrounded by her loved ones. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00pm Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Community Covenant Church in Upsala, MN, with Rev. Gregg Valentine officiating. Interment will be in the Russian Orthodox Cemetery east of Upsala. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00pm Wednesday, July 30th at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service (West Chapel), Little Falls and one hour prior to the service at the church. Terry was born on April 28, 1930 in Ticonderoga, New York to Bert & Martha Rafferty. She was united in marriage to Alex Kotzer on December 18, 1953 in Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. They were married for 28 years and resided in Holdingford for several years where they farmed. Beside being a housewife and mother, Terry also worked at various nursing homes in Long Prairie, Little Falls, Waite Park and Pine River. She also worked a the Morrison County Sheriff's department for a number of years. The couple divorced in 1981. She was the proud mother of 14 children. She was passionate about her grandchildren, friends and all who knew her. She was loved by her family and friends for her strength and her passion for the great northwoods. Her favorite pastimes were fishing, bingo, swimming, playing cards and being with family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and loved to sing Irish ballads. She was born and bread a strong Irish woman. She was greatly loved and will be sadly missed by all who knew her and loved her. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bobby (Barbara) Robertor of Missouri, Carol Neilson of Lamberton, MN, Donna Koltes of Richmond, MN, Dotzie (James) Kohnen of Roscoe, MN, Audrey (Scott) Soltis of Bowlus, MN, Kenny (Kathy) Kotzer of Clear Lake, MN, Phyllis (Pete) Peterson of Sartell, MN, Rick Kotzer of Roscoe, MN, David (Karla) Kotzer of Elmdale, MN, Billy Kotzer of Roscoe, MN, Lori (Kevin) Vredenburg of Pequot Lakes, MN, Shirley Fistman of Willow, AK and Danny (Cathy) Kotzer of Sartell, MN; sister, Anita Duross of New York; 51 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Glenn "Tony" Kotzer; great-granddaughter, Tatum Soltis; son-in-law, Mike Koltes; parents and ten siblings.