Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Sen. Michael D. Crapo

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Roger Kotter, a husband, father, community leader, businessman, and exemplary Idahoan.

At the core of Roger Kotter's accomplishments were his dedication to family, strong sense of community, and his ability to connect with his customers. Roger served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago, Chile, from 1966 to 1968, married his wife of 43 years, Karen, and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1971. After graduating, Roger moved back to Nampa and started working for Stone Lumber in 1972 and became part owner in 1980. Stone Lumber has been a staple of Nampa since 1906, and under the direction of Roger and Monte Schlerf, it has continued in the tradition of providing jobs and exceptional customer service. Roger also devoted decades of service and was involved in various organizations, including Nampa Exchange Club past president--Nampa Boys and Girls Club, Nampa Schools Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and, through Stone Lumber, worked with Habitat for Humanity. Roger was active in supporting the local Hispanic community acting as a mentor and teaching English. He was also actively involved with his church and served in stake presidencies, bishoprics, and was most recently a counselor in the Boise Idaho Mission presidency. Roger has been recognized for his commendable skills through honors, such as his selection as Idaho Businessman of the Year in 2000.

I join Rogers's wife Karen; five children, Kristin, Jason, Brent, Matthew, and Amy; 12 grandchildren; father, James; 6 siblings; other family members; many friends; the Nampa community, and the numerous people he inspired in mourning his loss and expressing gratitude for his contribution. Roger Kotter will be missed, and his legacy of devotion to his family and community will not be forgotten.