Joseph Kotcher Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Joseph Raymond Kotcher, Jr. who left this world on January 10, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. Born on June 8, 1961 Joe was the beloved son of Joseph and Geraldine (Judy) Kotcher (Snider). Joe grew up in Center Line Michigan surrounded by family and friends. If you were Joe’s friend you were his friend for life. Throughout his life Joe worked in automotive repair and construction. Joe was an avid reader, he always had a book in his hands. Joe’s hobbies included riding motorcycles, bikes and climbing trees to see what he could see. He always laughed about climbing up over 100 feet to carve his initials in a tree near Skidway Lake. Joe also brewed his own beer for years, pairing it with his everything but the kitchen sink chili that he shared with family and friends. Joe always said the crowning achievement of his life was his family. Joe is survived by his wife and final care-giver Donna Kotcher, his children Jacob and Audrina Kotcher and Joshua Beard, as well as his sister Janine (John) Gaynier, nephew Jonathan, life-long friends Glenn Evans and Larry Beard, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Judy Drazen and his beloved dog Fred. The family would like to thank the staff of Michigan Community VNA Hospice and Complete Family Care for the care and compassion they provided. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Memorial Baptist Church Deacon’s Fund at mbc4him.org or at the funeral home. Donations can also be mailed directly to Memorial Baptist Church 12651 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights MI 48313. https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgive.idonate.com%2Fmemorialsterlingheights%2Fgive%3Ffbclid%3DIwVERTSAPSYxpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR60zWI0atgFeKHImSrmcS0AX1g6pmK0kuKvcZqUlab7QUVfi5wkrp7K7LsCxg_aem_8k33l2UPisvDKwHm5_X-0Q&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26d3453f494841937bb508de5239c800%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639038605272688944%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a6AI5SccWoezPZB%2BLyL4zDrCZ1ux71xtF9cG8yDH%2B6k%3D&reserved=0 In keeping with Joe’s final wishes a memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday January 17, 2026 at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Home located at 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights MI 48314. Joe’s family invites everyone for visitation beginning at 12:30pm until 3:00pm. Funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at the funeral home. Deacon Leonard Villapando from Memorial Baptist Church will officiate.

Joseph Kotcher Jr

June 8, 1961 - January 10, 2026