Gregory Paul Gottula was born on October 13, 1954, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, to Victor Edwin and Lela Irene (Hart) Gottula. He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Elk Creek, Nebraska. Greg graduated from Burke High School in Omaha and later earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Greg had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and golf, never minding the summer heat. In recent years, one of his favorite pastimes was sitting outside with a Miller Lite, watching the birds and listening to music.

Greg passed away peacefully at his home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, on August 27, 2025. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska, at a later date.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Gottula, and her children: Mike (Stacie) Pluta and their five children, Cindy Pluta and her daughter, and Dan Pluta and his three children. Together, Greg and Eva shared one daughter, Deanna (J.D.) Herman, and their three children. In total, Greg and Eva were blessed with four children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Iva Townsend, and her children: Paul (Marla) Gottula and their three children, Phil (Allison) Gottula, Lela (Ryan) Tunnell and their two children, Miranda and her daughter, Nick Townsend, and Calvin Townsend.

Greg loved the Lord and faithfully read or listened to his Bible every day. He found great comfort in Psalm 23, as does his family:

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." – Psalm 23:6