Daniel James Kotrlik

Daniel ("Dan") James Kotrlik, 74, passed away peacefully at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on January 2, 2025. 

He was born on July 4, 1950 to Edward Charles and Louise Elizabeth (Haechten) Kotrlik in Ballinger, Texas and was the 5th oldest of 10 children. Dan graduated from Ballinger High School and attended Tarleton State University. While growing up, Dan learned the value of work and being productive at his family's farm, full-service gas station/grocery store and paper routes. He continued to enjoy a productive and diverse career which included installing utility poles/wiring, owning a Sonic franchise in Graham, and working for the Flasher Equipment Company, the 3M Brownwood Plant, Mueller, Inc. and several interstate trucking companies. Dan then reached his goal of being a truck owner and operator and established an independent contractor relationship with Fleetline, Inc. and Central Transport. 

Dan's greatest joy came from the love of his wife Jackie Mitchell Jenkins, his family and his home in Ballinger. He lived a simple life but had many great adventures along the way. Dan was always willing to help others, do the right thing, be a straight talker, be courageous and fight the good fight. He was a father figure for many family members and friends throughout his life. He lived up to his July 4th birthdate as he lived his life as an independent man and thinker. Dan will be remembered by many as a gentle giant and will definitely be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard, Robert, Edward ("Eddie"), Kenneth, Joe and brother-in-law Harold McKnight. He is survived by his wife Jackie; sons Jon Christopher Jenkins and his wife Claire and Sebastian Mitchell Jenkins; 7 grandchildren; siblings John and his wife Nancy Kotrlik, Carolyn McKnight, Sharon Kotrlik, Alice Kotrlik and her husband Britton Goldberg; sister-in laws Barbara Kotrlik and Judy Kotrlik along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends. Dan also had a special relationship with Nancy, Freddie, Trevor and the Hayes family. 

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association and the National Kidney Foundation. 

The family wishes to thank the numerous medical professionals, Davita Kidney Care in San Angelo, Shannon Hospital and Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care and support for Dan.