Gary F. Kotlarz

Gary Kotlarz, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on a day filled with some of the people and moments he cherished most. He left this world at Monticello High School in Minnesota while watching his grandson Evan’s State Championship basketball game—one of his greatest joys—with his son Paul holding his hand and his granddaughter Tessa close by. His final moments reflected the deep love he carried for his family and the pride he took in their lives.

Gary was born on August 17, 1948, in Arcadia, Wisconsin, to Armella (Zywicki) A. Kotlarz and Benedict Kotlarz. He grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, humility, and faith—qualities that guided him throughout his life.

A graduate of Winona High School, Gary was drafted into the United States Army on November 14, 1968, serving his country with quiet courage and steadfast dedication. After returning home, he attended Winona Technical School for Tool and Die making, beginning a lifelong career defined by precision and craftsmanship. He apprenticed at Lake Center Switch in Winona, Minnesota, before continuing his career at John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, then at Hutchinson Technology Incorporated (HTI) in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and later at Crown Cork and Seal. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 96 in Hutchinson, Minnesota. In every workplace and community he was part of, Gary was known for his reliability, skill, and the calm, steady presence that made him someone others naturally trusted.

Gary and his wife Donna loved to travel and shared that passion with their children. Together, they took their family to many memorable places, including the Black Hills, where they visited Mount Rushmore, Wall Drug, and the Crazy Horse Monument; Cozumel, Mexico, where their children learned to scuba dive; Arkansas; Tennessee; and Texas, where they visited the NASA Space Center and South Padre Island, where Gary bought his kids body boards so they could surf. They explored the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota, where he taught his children how to camp, and their final family trip with his son Paul and grandchildren Evan and Tessa was to San Diego, where they visited the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the ocean. Gary also enjoyed taking his children camping at numerous places, most notably Whitewater, Itasca, and Gooseberry Falls State Parks in Minnesota.

When Gary retired, he and Donna became snowbirds, spending their summers living with their son Paul in Shakopee, Minnesota. They initially traveled across the country in their RV before eventually settling in Yuma, Arizona, where they continued their snowbird lifestyle. In 2021, Gary suffered a stroke and spent the remainder of his years lovingly cared for by his son Paul.

Gary was also very active in Boy Scout Troop 246 in Hutchinson, Minnesota, where he mentored and guided not only his own children but many others. His influence extended far beyond his family, shaping the lives of countless young people through patience, leadership, and example.

On October 5, 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Donna Marie Kotlarz, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Their marriage was a partnership built on mutual respect, shared laughter, and a deep, enduring devotion. Together, they raised their children with love, faith, guidance, and the values that shaped Gary’s own life.

Gary believed wholeheartedly in the power of education. He worked tirelessly to help each of his children pay for college, doing everything he could to give them opportunities he valued. But his greatest gifts were not financial—they were the tools he placed in their hands and hearts. He passed down his unshakeable faith, his incredible patience, his understanding nature, and his love of cars, mechanics, and home improvement. He taught his children how to fix what was broken, how to build what was needed, and how to face life with resilience and integrity. His lessons were countless, practical, and profound.

Gary is survived by his children: Mark Kotlarz, Craig Kotlarz, and Paul Kotlarz; and his grandchildren: Gavin Birr, Kendra Kotlarz, Evan Kotlarz, and Tessa Kotlarz. He is also survived by his brother Kevin Kotlarz, his sisters Beverly (David) Arnoldy and Nancy Borchert, Sister-in-law Sherry Kotlarz, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, relatives, and friends. His sister Pat passed away shortly after he did, a reminder of the deep family bonds that shaped their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his brother Denis; and brother-in-law Roger Borchert.

A visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM.  Deacon James Welch will officiate.  Gary will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery, where the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of WInona will provide military honors.  A luncheon will be held at the funeral home followin the burial. All are welcome to attend, share memories, and honor Gary’s life.

Gary’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the values he instilled, and the countless ways he showed his devotion through action. Though his absence is deeply felt, the strength, wisdom, and love he shared will continue to guide those who knew him.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Gary's family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  2 Timothy 4:7

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life of Gary Kotlarz—for the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the strength and patience he shared so generously. As we grieve his passing, fill our hearts with the peace that comes from Your presence. Grant comfort to his family, surround them with Your grace, and remind them that Gary now rests safely in Your eternal care. May the memories he leaves behind be a source of warmth, guidance, and enduring love.We ask this in Your name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.