Ski Jumping Legend Gene Kotlarek Mourned by USA Nordic Community

4 Comments

  1. Bob Summers

    I knew Gene back in the late 1950’s He inspired me to be the best ski jumper I could be. Too this day, I cannot talk ski jumping. Without mentioning Gene in my conversations.
    Gene will be missed by all. R.I.P.

  2. Jerry Borgen

    Gene’s Father, George Kotarek won the National Tourney in 1928 at Charlson Hill in Red Wing, I believe it was in A Division.

  3. Jennifer Kotlarek

    You will be missed, little brother Gene. Sending love to rest of Kotlarek family from
    George Kotlarek (older brother), nephews and nieces, Craig Kotlarek, Catherine Kotlarek-James, Dorian Kotlarek and Jennifer Kotlarek in Eugene/Springfield, OR.

  4. BOB HOLMAN

    FOR SEVERAL YEARS IN THE 1960’S, I DROVE FROM MY THEN HOME IN ILLINOIS TO THE SNOWFLAKE SKI CLUB’S ANNUAL SKI JUMPING COMPETITION IN WESTBY, WISCONSIN, TO WATCH GENE AND JOHN BALFANZ FIGHT FOR FIRST PLACE. THERE WERE JUMPERS FROM FINLAND, NORWAY, AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC–BUT THE MATCH ALWAYS CAME DOWN TO GENE AND JOHN–WHAT A THRILL!! ( OVER A THOUSAND SPECTATORS WERE CHEERING AND HONKING THIER CAR HORNS WITH EVERY JUMP! ) BOB HOLMAN, BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA

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