James Kotschevar Obituary

James "Jim" Ray Kotschevar, 71, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, passed away with family by his side Aug. 14, 2025, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Jim was born Feb. 20, 1954, in Richmond, Minnesota, to Vincent and Rita (Hommerding) Kotschevar. He married Mary Kay (Nordmann) June 18, 1977.
Jim was a hard working business man with strong ingenuity skills and a keen ability to look at things from a different perspective. A cowboy at heart, he cherished his family and found true joy in the companionship of his horses. Jim was a founding member of the Stearns County Mounted Reserve and for many years worked as a mounted security member for WE Fest in Detroit Lakes. Jim taught horsemanship classes at Three Rivers Park District's Mounted Patrol Clinics and throughout several counties across Minnesota.
Jim owned his own metal fabricating shop - Service Equipment/Arena Fenceline - for over 35 years in Paynesville, specializing in the poultry, hog and horse industries. He raised elk for over 15 years in Minnesota, but his true passion was raising and training horses. There was never a time horses were not a part of Jim's life. He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, playing cards, carbles, scenic drives through parks with his wife and dog Blu, along with spending time at Evans Plunge. He enjoyed sitting around the fire and sharing stories. He treasured his family and enjoyed teasing/playing with his grandchildren. He also loved reminiscing about his time on local amateur baseball and softball leagues in Minnesota.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Vince Kotschevar; his father-in-law, Cyril Nordmann; and a baby brother.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Kay, of Hot Spring; children Tony (Jen) Kotschevar of St. Martin and Katie (Paul) Breth of Holdingford; grandchildren Mason (Jack), Mitchell, Myra, Maverick, Bennett, Chase, Trajan and Trigg; his mother, Rita (Kotschevar); his mother-in-law Lorraine (Nordmann) and six siblings.
A celebration of Jim's life will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at St. Martin Parish Hall, 111 Maine St., St. Martin, and from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church, 1509 University Ave., Hot Springs, South Dakota.