John Michael Kottan

John Michael Kottan, age 86, of Gull Lake (Richland, MI), died Monday morning, April 29, 2013, at his daughter's residence on Gull Lake, following a brief battle with lung cancer.

John, the son of Michael and Mary (Frank) Kottan, was born on April 5, 1927 in Detroit, MI and moved to this area in 2004. He served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. John retired in 1982 after 17 years of faithful service as a Tool & Die Maker for the Ford Motor Company of Woodhaven, MI. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Lincoln Park Lodge # 539, F & AM.

On June 4, 1948 in Lincoln Park, MI, John was united in marriage to the former Pauline J. McMath and she preceded him in death on January 14, 1999. Surviving are two daughters, Michelle M. (Dr. David G.) Reis of Gull Lake (Augusta, MI) and Debra M. Perry of Rutland, VT; five grandchildren, Ryan Reis, Brianna (Corey) Koopmans, Jessica Perry, Caitlin Perry and Jillian Perry and his great granddaughter, Ava Grace Koopmans. John was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Frasier and Barbara Cowin.

A Memorial Service to celebrate John's life will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) with the Rev. James D. Hill, retired Navy, officiating and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard bestowing Military Honors. Final interment will be next to his beloved wife, Pauline at the Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, MI. Family and friends will continue John's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Gull Lake Country Club, 9725 West Gull Lake Drive, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to the Penrickton Center for Blind Children, 26530 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI 48180.