Michael Joseph Kotovic

“I try all things; I achieve what I can.”
                                                     – Moby-Dick, Herman Melville

Obituary

Michael “Mike” Kotovic lived a great, adventurous life—one filled with laughter, learning, and a deep, enduring love for the natural world. With a twinkle in his blue eyes, a sideways tilt of his head, a big smile, and a handshake as firm as his character, Mike made fast friends wherever he went. He was a Renaissance man in the truest sense: sailor, runner, skier, gardener, fisherman, culinary enthusiast, craftsman and watercolorist. He was equally at home navigating a storm on Lake Michigan, skiing through the woods of Wisconsin, or teaching his kids how to read the wind, catch a lift, put in a pier, and rig both a scow and a fishing rod. Like his favorite book, Moby-Dick, Mike's life was a great voyage—brimming with discovery, perseverance, beauty, and mystery.

Born with curiosity and grit, Mike lived in many places throughout his rich life—Milwaukee, Pewaukee, Wauwatosa, Seattle—and eventually found peace and serenity in Crivitz, tucked in the north woods of Wisconsin. He returned to the Milwaukee area in his final years, surrounded by family and memories of a life well-lived.

A sailor through and through, Mike raced on Lake Michigan out of the Milwaukee Yacht Club with his father aboard Copperhead and Gypsy, later competing in Lightnings, and the fabled Mac Races—including braving the notorious 1970 race, which left a lasting impression on all who weathered it. In the early ’70s, he moved inland and became a skilled scow racer—sailing E, C, and M16s as part of the Pewaukee Yacht Club community, where he later served as commodore. In winter, he took to the ice, sailing Nites, Skeeters, and DNs across frozen Pewaukee lake. Sailing was more than a hobby—it was part of his soul, his way of reading wind, water, and life.

Mike loved movement: hiking stretches of the Appalachian Trail, running through pine-scented woods, cross-country skiing the American Birkebeiner, and camping under the stars in Yellowstone. Wherever he went, he noticed birdsong, fish in cool waters, and clouds rolling over the mountains. He passed that deep attentiveness on to his children and grandchildren, showing them how to find joy and self-sufficiency in the natural world.

Mike’s professional life was as varied and hands-on as his hobbies. After graduating from Milwaukee University School and earning a degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, he carved out a career path that was anything but ordinary. He worked as a foundry representative in Waukesha, ran a car dealership, represented marine insurance, and later became a real estate agent. Mike never let a title define him—what mattered more was learning, solving problems, and meeting people along the way.

Mike lived his life with purpose, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. He taught those he loved how to be capable, how to care for others, and how to find joy in the everyday—whether through a well-cooked meal, a walk in the woods, or a steady hand on the tiller. Though his journey has come to an end, the values he lived by—kindness, strength, and wonder—will carry on in the lives he touched.

Mike is survived by his children: Stuart Kotovic (Melissa Krueger-Kotovic), Amy Standal (Art Garcia), and Erin O’Meara (John Lees); and by his beloved grandchildren: William Kotovic, Julia Kotovic, Joshua Standal, Chloe Standal, Isaac Lees, Maeve O’Meara, and Una O’Meara. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Shelley Kotovic and Lynn Kotovic, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles L. Kotovic Sr. and Marguerite H. Moffatt; his brothers, Charles L. Kotovic and Robert H. Kotovic; his cherished grandmother Ruby A. Winkeler; his beloved grandson Ian Standal, and nephew Rick Kotovic.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Lakeland Health Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their support in Mike’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, Mike would have appreciated donations to the National Park Service, Yellowstone Forever, or Al‑Anon —organizations that reflect his lifelong reverence for wild places and his deep belief in personal growth, healing, and community.

Mike’s family welcomes your stories and condolences on this page. Thank you! 

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November 2, 2025

Mike was a good friend, co-worker, and mentor to me regarding marine underwriting. With the abundance of stories he shared, it was so clear how much he appreciated the outdoors and especially sailing, fishing and hiking. We both shared the fishing and hiking portion, and I believe that is what brought us close together. He was also very upfront, open and honest, and trustworthy which made us great friends. My best memory of Mike was our doing the Warrior Dash event together, which was tough and dirty, but so much fun. I just have to post the photo, for such a great memory. Looking ahead to our meeting again in Heaven, when it's my time. Certain Mike will have lots more stories to tell me then.

Tim Conger

July 17, 2025

Mike was my classmate at University School. I was fortunate to have spent time with him reminiscing at our 50th reunion. Rest well, my friend.

Bonnie Talboys Anckersen

July 11, 2025

I first met Mike when he worked at what is now Centerpoint Yacht Services in Milwaukee. He sold a new boat to me and we traded our Cal 25. The new boat was an Islander 30 MKII. We recently sold "CHARISMA" after over 50 years of sailing thanks to Mike.

Dean Paul

July 11, 2025

So sad to lose a great friend and shipmate.
Mike was an instrumental crew member in our successful 1970 Chicago Mackinaw Race victory aboard Kalte Ente.The roughest race in its history. In 1971 we went on and won the half ton Worlds aboard Raider.
I will always appreciate Mike as a gentleman, great sailor, shipmate.and fun person to be around! He has certainly left a lasting impression on us all.
Smooth Sailing,
Jim Mattingly

Jim Mattingly

July 11, 2025

I had the distinct pleasure to get to know Mike, Amy, and her kids through my dental office. Mike was one of those patients I just loved to see on my schedule. Peace to all of his family and friends and my belief is solid that Ian's soul was Mike's first greeting. Godspeed to all of you.

Michael Donohoo

July 10, 2025

Mike was a great tactician and true friend I will miss him. We sure won a lot of races together.

Justin Segel

July 9, 2025

Condolences to the family. It is hard losing a parent at any age but now that he is at peace, I pray that brings you comfort. I met Mike when I was in high school and became best friends with Erin. I have a lot of memories from those days mostly swimming in the lake and trying to avoid the parents as much as possible! I did learn some valuable lessons from Mike about driving and other things that have always stuck with me even now as an adult. I remember those days fondly and gratefully for the time I got to spend with the family. RIP Mike

Maria Madden