Cornelius Paul Stotko

Ski was born in the state of Missouri in 1929 at the start of the Depression, and he grew up in the lovely town of Hermann, Missouri. He was one of four children born to Mary and Cornelius Stotko: Norbert, James and Margie. Norbert Stotko, resident of Colorado is his older brother who survives him.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950, completed cadet training and was commissioned as an Officer. He married Arline Bossman onNovember 7, 1953 and they embarked on their exciting life as a young Airforce couple leaving their small town of Hermann to see more of the world.

Three children were born to Ski and Arline: Elaine and Eddie who pre-decease him and his youngest daughter, Lori. Lori, Grandson Adrian and his beloved wife Arline survive him in his immediate family.

Ski completed his education through the Airforce. He received a BGE in Military Science from the University of Omaha through the Bootstrap program in 1966. He went on to earn a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling and an additional Masters Degree in Human Relations and Supervision from Louisiana Tech University.

Ski served as an Aircraft Engineer on the B-36 Bomber, and as a Navigatorl Bombardier on the B-47 Bomber.

He worked in headquarters at Barksdale Airforce base from October 1965 to October 1970. He retired in 1970 and started a long career with the State of Louisiana Labor Department where he was employed until December 2007. His many clients liked and appreciated him through his long career.

His memberships include the National and Local Retired Officers Association and he is a Charter Member of the Ark-La-tex Herb Society.

Ski was a kind, generous man and a devoted husband and father. He had a marvelous sense of humor and could repair and build anything. He maintained his home meticulously and instilled the importance of being organized and taking care of business to his family. He will be missed by his family and friends and by all who knew him.

Invitations to a small “Celebration of Life” gathering will be sent at a later date.