Douglas Roy Kotzebue

On March 4, 2022, Douglas Roy Kotzebue, 66, of Gonzales, slipped from the earthly confines of this world into the glorious presence of God. After valiantly battling cancer for nearly seven years, he died peacefully, surrounded by members of his family. 

Doug was born in Houston, TX on February 2, 1956, to Alexander Andrew "Buddy" Kotzebue and Elizabeth "Betty" (Zissa) Kotzebue. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1974, going on to earn his degree in Pharmacology from the University of Texas in 1978. Upon graduation, he joined his father in the family business, Kotzebue Drug, where he worked until his retirement in 2011. 

In his youth, Doug excelled at a variety of sports. One of his most proud memories was winning the State Basketball Championship with his teammates in 1974. He was an accomplished water skier, amazing friends with his ability to ski barefoot.

He was an avid follower of all UT sports events, proudly wearing burnt orange to show his support. Of all the sports, however, his true love was golf. If the weather was agreeable, most days you would find him at the golf course with the golf buddies that he considered his extended family.

He loved animals, whether domestic or wild. He could sit for hours watching the deer that came up into his back yard to eat the corn he had put out, marveling equally at the big bucks or newborn fawns. He had a soft spot for the birds that landed at his feeders and the squirrels that stole from them. He loved fish, whether at the end of a fishing pole, or in his numerous aquariums.

He was a compassionate man, braving the dangers and discomfort to help rescue victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, and more than once giving odd jobs or food to someone who was down and out. 

He is survived by his mother, Betty Kotzebue of Gonzales; wife, Lynn Kotzebue; son, Chase Dwayne Kotzebue; daughters, Cassidy Carol Kotzebue and Alex Zente of Leander; Caleigh Alex Kotzebue of New Braunfels; and, step-daughter, Renee Fernandez and husband Cesar of San Antonio; sister Diane Connell and husband Robbie of Gonzales; sister-in-law, Lynette Kotzebue of Shiner; six grandchildren; two step-grandsons; one niece, Kristen Connell DeCola of New Braunfels, and one nephew, Zackery Kotzebue of Gonzales, along with various aunt's, uncle's, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Alexander "Buddy" Kotzebue, and brothers, David and Dwayne. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 12th, at 2:00 pm, with a service to celebrate his life at 3:00 pm at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. The family would like to profoundly thank the Care Team Hospice of Gonzales and the caring nurses at Texan Nursing & Rehab of Gonzales.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.