Timothy Wayne Gottman
Timothy Wayne Gottman passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021, at St. Vincent’s home in Quincy, IL. He was 69. Tim was born on June 14, 1951, in Hannibal, Missouri. Tim was born on Flag Day. He has fond memories of his grandma telling him that everyone had put their flags out for his birthday. He attended Hannibal High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After college, Tim went to work for Caterpillar and then went on to work in the oil industry. He spent many years as an insurance agent for American Family Insurance. In the early 90s, Tim bought Sign Pro of Quincy and from then on was known as “The Sign Guy.” Tim always treated each customer the same, whether they spent fifty dollars or five thousand dollars. Tim loved his customers. He enjoyed the people as much as he enjoyed the business. Tim was always honored to letter law enforcement vehicles; it was his favorite job. He retired from SignPro in 2019. Tim missed being with customers, and he soon found new work with Quincy Mack, delivering parts. His friends at Quincy Mack called him “Mo.”
Away from work, Tim loved to tinker in his garage while listening to Lionel Richie and Donna Summer. During the winter months, he loved to watch Hallmark movies with his wife. Tim was a serious Dallas Cowboys fan and never gave up on them. Tim hated yard work, but he did it anyway because his wife loved it. Tim loved good food. On a bet, he once ate “a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, a loaf of bread, and a gallon of milk.” Tim was a modern-day Renaissance man. He could remodel a bathroom, create graphic art, and once won a lawsuit against a major corporation in which he represented himself.
Tim and Pat enjoyed attending Sunday morning service at Columbus Road Church. Tim proudly served as a greeter and an usher, and developed a close relationship with Pastor Bob. He loved his church and it was where he came to know Jesus. It was his faith that carried him through his recent health struggles.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jimmy” and Ellen Gottman, and a brother, Norman Gottman.
He is survived by his wife Pat, and three step-children, Jennifer (Andy) Deters of Quincy, Shane (Carrie) Hipps of St. Louis, and Travis Hipps of Loveland, CO.. He is survived by four grandchildren: Jack Deters, Caroline Deters, Quinn Hipps, and Rylan Hipps. He is also survived by two sisters, Gretchen Carlson (Mike) and Merilyn Sczygielski (Ski). He is also survived by two sons, Jason Gottman and Eric Gottman.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the Columbus Road Church. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Columbus Road Church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the services at 11:00. Memorials may be made to Project 8p or Columbus Road Church. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
I have a lot of love for this man.
Today I thought of him because I was watching the movie “Seven”. I know that sounds weird but he always reminded me of Morgan Freeman… just kidding. Actually, we saw the movie together in 1995. He was opening Sign Pro, and he hired me to be his second. I had a little history in the sign business and was schooled in graphic design. The two of us went to Missoula, Montana, to train with Sign Marketing Group, the parent company that sold Sign Pro businesses, normally in conjunction with a media. In our case that was Bick Broadcasting and we worked closely with their stations out of the Y101 building at 24th and Broadway. While training in Missoula, we visited a few bars, and were introduced to Moose Drool microbrew. I went disc golfing on a real course — fairly uncommon to me at that time. — We ate at Hardee’s. In the window of Hardee’s they had a static cling advertisement touting their new Stealth Fries. Ask for them inside!! So we did. And the person at the counter had no idea what we were talking about. They got us fries, but they didn’t know they were new, or called Stealth, or why we found the whole situation so amusing. AND we saw Seven one evening at the theater. Both of us came out of that one a little shell shocked. Yikes. We had no idea what we were getting into.
Anyway, those few days training in Missoula bonded us in a way that I’ve seldom felt with any friend since my college days. We spent the next 5 or 6 years making signs together, and they were some of the best days of my life.
I didn’t know Tim had passed. I just googled him today because Seven made me think of him. We always meant to get together for drinks in Quincy when I’d be in town visiting; but I think I only saw him once after I left the business. We met one morning while he was putting up some dimensional lettering at the Quincy National (military) Cemetery. I don’t remember what we talked about, but I know it was nice to see him.
Tim and I got along famously. People are too right when they speak of his sense of humor. He was an easy man to like. And I met Pat, his wife, many times, as I recall while he was first courting her.
I am saddened to learn of his passing, especially at what seems to me (at the age of 53) to be a fairly young age. I know there are many people who feel the loss… many who regularly enjoyed his company. I feel the loss, and I only spent a half hour with him in the last 20+ years.
My condolences to all who have missed and will miss him.
Pat,Jennifer,Shane and Travis,you are in our thoughts and prayers,so sad to hear about the passing of Tim!we had some fun times in the good ole days!!
Our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. Praying that you may have peace.
Jenny and Andy – on behalf of the Mary and Martha ministry at St. Peter’s, we offer you our prayers at this time. Peace to all of you and your families.
Pat, Jennifer, Shane and Travis, So sorry for your loss. Tim was a great guy and neighbor. Also enjoyed my visits with him at Sign Pro and very detailed on his work. We will keep you in our prayers.
Pat, I just learned of Tim’s passing and I am so sorry for your loss. I met Tim in 1988 when we purchased a house and Tim became our insurance agent. When Tim went to Sign Pro, I made use of his talents on countless projects for over 20 years. Tim will be greatly missed. You are in my prayers.
Pat, so sorry for your loss. Please know I’m thinking of you and your family and sending prayers.
I knew Tim when he worked at Sign Pro. He always made me laugh and made you feel like you were friends for life. He had a good heart and a sense of humor. So sorry for your loss.
Pat and family,
I had the privilege of working with Tim (Mo) at Mack for the last year. He was a positive influence on my fellow coworkers and customers. He will be missed. You and your family will be in my prayers.
One of the things I remember fondly was Tim’s sense of humor I have not seen him since I was a young teenager, but remember he was very funny. Always loved our visits to the farm. He will be missed by many
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Tim was truly a wonderful and extremely talented man. Lots of very fond memories both working and just spending time with Tim. You will be missed by RIP cousin!!!
Thinking of you all! Prayers for peace and comfort!
Pat, so very sorry to hear about Tim. I have so many good memories of him from my time at Y101. I will always remember that laugh of his. Many prayers for you during this time.
Mike and I loved my brother in law Tim. He was so much fun to be around, had the best sense of humor, and loved my sister Pat so much. Our whole family will miss him dearly, but will have so many happy memories and fun stories to tell about a kind, fun loving, down to earth, hard working, memorable man, Tim Gottman. Prayers for comfort for all who knew and loved Tim.
Susie, Mike, and family
I have a lot of great memories of Uncle Tim. So witty with his huge smile and infectious laugh.
My love and prayers to all.