Alexander Andrew “Buddy” Kotzebue
Alexander Andrew “Buddy” Kotzebue, 81, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016. Buddy was born September 28, 1934 in Moulton, TX to Roy Louis Kotzebue and Rose Libby Petrek Kotzebue. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Gonzales Knights of Columbus Council #5090 and the 4th degree Assembly #1128. Buddy is a past Grand Knight and a former member of Gonzales Healthcare Systems Board of Directors. He was also a former member of the noon Lions Club and the Southwest Texas Pharmacy Association.
Buddy grew up in Moulton and graduated with the Moulton High School Class of 1952. He played basketball, baseball and tennis for his high school and was a member of a State Championship Basketball team. Buddy continued to play basketball at the collegiate level for the Victoria Junior College in Victoria. He married Elizabeth Ann Zissa on December 28, 1954 in Shiner’s Sts Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Buddy continued his education at the University of Houston and graduated from its school of Pharmacy. He and Betty moved to Gonzales where they purchased the Spholer Drug Store and changed its name to Kotzebue Drug Store where he faithfully served the residents of Gonzales County for 39 years. He and his father also owned and operated a pharmacy in Flatonia for a period of time.
Buddy enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling. He enjoyed watching the local Apache basketball team compete and truly supported the children of the community in their efforts to succeed in athletics, stock shows, and through DECA programs. Buddy was a sweet man; he loved people and was ready to help whenever called upon. He enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his family. They made many trips to Galveston to fish and delight in the coastal beaches and he arranged outings to Lake LBJ for more fishing and waterskiing. His family and friends meant the world to him because he found joy in their company, but his greatest joy came from his faith. Through his selfless service to community, the organizations he belonged to and his beloved church, Buddy lived his faith in loving and respecting all people, all of which is his living legacy to his family.
Alexander Andrew “Buddy” Kotzebue is survived by his adoring wife of 63 years Betty Kotzebue of Gonzales, loving children, Dianne Marie and Robbie Connell, Douglas Roy Kotzebue, David Wayne and Lynnette Ann Kotzebue all of Gonzales, sister, Roselyn Bravenec of Pasadena, grandchildren, Kristen Decola (Jarret), Zackery Kotzebue (Kristien), Chase Kotzebue (Lindsey), Cassidy Kotzebue and Caleigh Kotzebue, great-grandchildren, Lillian, Gatlin, Colt and Lukasz. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Dwayne Paul Kotzebue.
A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2016 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial with be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2016 in St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Raaz as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Moulton Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers: Richard Zissa, Mike Lawler, Chase Kotzebue, Zack Kotzebue, Michael Simper, and Kenny Roller. Honorary Pallbearers: Willie Simper and B.J. Philips. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the American Cancer Society or the charity of one’s choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.
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