Monty Scott “Scotty” Gottula, 66, of Elk Creek, died Saturday, May 7, 2022 at his home in Elk Creek. Scotty was born September 17, 1955, in Tecumseh to Raymond “Coach” Gottula and Viola (Elenga) Gottula. He was the youngest of two children.

He was raised on the family farm, attended grade school in Elk Creek and seventh and eighth grade at St. Peter’s Parochial School. He graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1974. Scotty was proud of the life he lived in his small hometown.

He was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
In 1998 he married Connie Walters at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sterling. He became a dad to Alyson Gottula, who was his pride and joy. Scotty and Connie raised Aly to become the strong and loving woman she is today.
Scotty developed a passion for sports as a youth, playing baseball with his brother, Randy, on teams coached by their dad. In high school, he played football, basketball and track for the Elk Creek Antlers. He was also a successful softball player in his adult years.

He was involved in youth softball for 35 years, serving as manager and coach for teams in Elk Creek and Tecumseh from 1983-2018. Scotty loved his softball family. He served as tournament director for several district and state tournaments, while also helping many communities raise funds to improve softball facilities. He was a district commissioner for the Nebraska Amateur Softball Association and served on the Nebraska ASA Board of Directors for 28 years. He was inducted into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame in 2008.
A lifelong farmer, he operated Scotty’s Custom Harvesting and opened Scotty’s Grocery and Sandwich Inc. in 1988. He owned Scotty’s Catering and was one of southeast Nebraska’s most sought-after caterers.

Scotty could often be found with a fishing pole in one hand and rifle in the other. He could kick up a pheasant, land a bass and chase down coyotes with the best. He was an avid Huskers fan. Scotty was funny, smart, opinionated, reliable and generous. He was known for his many acts of kindness, whether it be cruising in his truck and handing out dog treats or giving Tootsie Roll Pops to local kids, who came running when they recognized him driving up the street.

Scotty was a member of the Elk Creek Fire Department for 45 years and served on the Johnson County Board of Commissioners for 20 years. He was on the ballot to be elected again at the time of his death. He was also active and served the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Elk Creek Men’s Club and Elk Creek Businessmen’s Club.

Survivors include his daughter, Aly, of Elk Creek; brother, Randy (Lori) Gottula of Steinauer; nephew, Todd (Kristin) Gottula of Kearney; niece, Shanda (Andrew) Hall, Preston, Auston and Easton of Schuyler; niece, Cassie (Brian) Shaw, Jasper and Lakeleigh of Brownville; former wife, Connie Walters, of Tecumseh; stepdaughters Cindy Albrecht of Tecumseh and Kim (Pat) Stahl of Pawnee City; stepson, Kris Baehr, of Syracuse; and step-grandchildren Jordan Albrecht and Justin Baehr.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond, and mother, Viola.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2022 at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska with Rev. Bill Cornelius officiating. The service will also be live streamed on the church's Facebook page.
Closed casket visitation will be held from 9-5 Friday, May 13, 2022 and 1- 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2022 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 5-8 p.m. in the Family Life Center, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.
Memorials may go to the family’s choice.
Interment will be in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.
Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.