Craig L. Kotte

Craig L. Kotte, AKA "Commander", "Mud Duck","Mud Hen", "The Great White Hunter","Craigery", "Owl Mystic # 950", and "Gentle Giant", died Friday, October 12, 2007 in Meritcare Hospital ICU, Fargo, ND, at the age of 58, after suffering a brief illness. He was encircled by his family, friends and Pastor Wade at the time of his death. Craig was born February 22, 1949 to Clarence and Thelma Johnson Kotte. He graduated from Moorhead Public Schools. He then attended Moorhead State College from 1967 – 1973, majoring in botany and industrial education. Craig sang as a 1st Chair Bass in MSC choir. During this time Craig also enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp 1969-1970 and served in Viet Nam as a Field Artillery Battery Man in active combat. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Service Medal, Rifle Marksman Expert Medal w/ RVN Cross of Gallantry. Craig was honorably discharged and returned to Moorhead State College. There he became a member of Owl Fraternity Mystic #950. Being an avid bicyclist he proudly owned a Peugeot 10 speed imported from France. For a short time, he became a bicycle mechanic. Craig later attained his Master Plumber licensure and with his wife has owned and operated Kotte's Plumbing and Heating for over 30 years. On December 19, 1981 he married Sandra McDonald. Together they raised a daughter, Kathryn and a son, Clark in their rural Pelican Rapids home. The new love of Craig's life was Kathryn's son, Harrison Craig Kotte born August 31, 2007. Craig's other loves included the following: his family, his dogs-King, Kodiak, Chaucer, fishing and hunting buddies, his many "social hour friends", red Dodge trucks, his garage Sandy called it his "playpen", his many toys, and of course Juggler Lake. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Kathryn; son, Clark; grandson, Harrison Craig; brother, Clarence Karen Kotte; sister, Colleen Tom Houglum; sister-in-law, Penny Kotte; and "boat loads" of nieces and nephews. Extended members of the family include Mary, Scott and Randy from the Kotte's Plumbing and Heating family; Molly and Sarah Davis; and John, David and Jimmy Altnow.Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Thelma Kotte; brother, Charles W. Kotte; nephew Peter Kotte; and father-in-law, Roald "Lindy" McDonald. The Lord blessed Craig, and now keeps him in peace. Fish on! Semper Fi!