Death date: May 9, 2012
Earl D. “Pete” Cottral, 96, and Sylvia M. Cottral, 95, of Clinton, died Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the Alverno. Memorial Services for Pete and Sylvia will be 10:30am, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Community Congregational Church. Read Obituary
Pete and Sylvia were always so gracious and it was always so nice to look down from the choir loft in church and see their faces. My mom is up at the Alverno and I would stop in and say Hi and deliver the church Lamplighter to them. We will all miss them.
Pete and Sylvia were very close friends of my parents when I was growing up. We actually lived across the street from them until we moved to another location in Clinton. I think I was about 4 years old at that time. I am sure Barbara and Lindsy remembers our family's friendship over many years...great times on the Mississippi River, the Country club, etc. etc.
As the years went by my parents had a lot of friends in Clinton. However, Pete and Sylvia were always my favorite. They were very special people, always very friendly to me. Sylvia used to joke to me that she always remembered and laughed when I used to say: "More meat Daddy, more meat". That was probably a little over 60 years ago. She sure did remember that though.
They were wonderful beautiful people. I can't believe that they will be entering heaven together. I am sure my Dad will be there to help greet them.
After I graduated from High School Pete helped me get a summer job at Clinton Corn which help pay for my college degree.
Sylvia invited Jane and me to breakfast at their home the morning after our wedding as we were en route to Chicago for our honeymoon (a fine breakfast it was).
Our first daughter shared a January 18 birth date with Sylvia.
We enjoyed a nice visit with them just last summer. Their youthful spirit was impressive.
I have lots of good memories of Pete and Sylvia.
In Junior High cousin Barb taught me how to dance with a girl before my first date to a country club dance.
I assume that Lindsy's horse may have resulted in the trail riding of Uncle Pete.
So many happy memories. Such good friends of my parents. Sylvia was my mother's last best friend. I remember playing with Barby, seeing the house at Cherry Bank before and after it was remodled, many meals at their house, and especially that last visit with my mother to their house with Pete and Syliva, Barby, and John.
They are the last of the Cottral clan..all the siblings & their spouses are no doubt having a glorious celebration being together again. Some how, I'm not surprised they went together on the same day...they've spent nearly their whole lives together as a couple.
So many stories and memories of family gatherings in Clinton over my lifetime. We'd come once a year from ND to see Grandma & Grandpa, Aunts & Uncles & our cousins. What fun we all had being together!
Sending my love to Barb & Lindsy,
Cousin Linda
Our deepest condolences to you. We will be praying for your comfort. Pete and Sylvia will be missed. I will always remember them as part of my Clinton memories and for their gracious manner and faithful friendship to Midge and John.
In Sympahy,
Diana Ward Weber
Dear Lindsy,Barbie and family,
It's hard to imagine Clinton without your parents. I'm so sorry for your loss. There are so many fond memories over the years - time spent with your and your parents at your homes in Lyons. Janet and I were reminiscing about Sylvia and Pete at Cherry Bank. Where ever your family lived, it felt like a second home.
How amazing that they both passed on the same day. It seemed that they were demonstrating the very mystery of life.
Wishing you all comfort and peace.
Patti Ward
I am very sorry to learn of the deaths of Pete and Sylvia. They were both very nice people who enriched the lives of those around them. My condolences to all their family.
Dear Family of Pete and Sylvia,
I have known both for many years. Hazel Lindmeier was a very good friend of my mothers many years ago. Also I have been member of Community Congregational all my life.
I played bridge and golfed with Sylvia. And I worked at CCPC and knew Pete. There are not two finer persons in the world than your Mom and Dad. The cutest couple walking into church and they always had a good word and smile for each other. How wonderful they both were called to their Lord together.
You girls can be so greatful of having such terrific parents.
I have not seen them that much since moving to Alverno but loved and respected them very much.
In Sympathy,
Martha (Utroska) Truax
My condolences on your loss.I remember your parents fondly , from all the times spent at your house during our childhood. Sincerely Emalie
