John Kotz, 90, Owatonna

John Jerome Kotz, age 90, of Owatonna passed away Friday, Feb. 11, 2022.
John was born July 23, 1931, to Pete and Opal Kotz in Owatonna. His childhood was a Tom Sawyer-like adventure. He told stories of hopping trains, meeting hobos down by the railroad tracks, exploring the junkyard, and playing with his dog Brownie.
During high school, John started working part time at Jostens. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Korean War and was based in Germany. On returning home, Jostens gladly welcomed him back with a new position in the Tool & Die department. There, he met the love of his life, Darlene Sandstrom, and the two were married June 30, 1955. After 43 years of dedicated work, he retired from Jostens.
John loved to venture on a highway with his motorcycle. He would discover the most beautiful scenic roadways and often shared these with Darlene. John and Darlene were inseparable. By Darlene’s side, near the end of her life, John often said, “I am more in love with her now than ever.” John loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A family friend described him as a “quiet presence, who was always there.” Once asked: “What would you like on your gravestone?” John replied with a grin, “It’s been a good ride.”
Memorial service will be 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home with a visitation two hours prior to the funeral service starting at 10 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit. Interment will be at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Owatonna.
John is survived by, children, June (Dale) Resler, James (Stephanie) Kotz; grandchildren, Bryan (Brooke) Resler, Benjamin (Ashley) Resler, Andrew (Mandi) Resler, John Kotz, Greta Kotz; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joseph, Clement, Emilia, Clayton, Lincoln, McLain, Blake, Creedence and one sister Patricia Fischer.
Preceded in death by his wife, Darlene on October 18, 2021. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.megercares.com.