Former Systematic Savings and Loan CEO dies

Gottas worked with Systematic Savings, 318 South Ave., for 54 years before retiring Dec. 31. He held every position possible with the residential lender, starting as a part-time teller and moving up as a loan officer, bookkeeper and vice president, before being named president in 1984.

Gottas graduated from Drury University in 1961 with an undergraduate degree in business administration; he was one of the school’s first two students to earn a degree entirely through evening courses.

Gottas was active in several community organizations, including Downtown Springfield Association and Kiwanis.

Visitation will be 6–8 p.m. Wednesday at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E Seminole. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, followed by a burial at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 3506 N. National Ave.