Leon Michael Cotter

Leon Michael Cotter, age 72, of Beal City, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Woodland Hospice, surrounded by the love of his family. Leon was born on June 3, 1953, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Donald and Arlene (Yuncker) Cotter. He was the third of six children. Leon attended Beal City High School and graduated in 1971.

Leon met the love of his life, Kathleen Steffke, while working at Central Soya/ConAgra in Mt. Pleasant. They were married on September 8, 1978, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City. Together they raised their three beloved daughters, Krista, Maria, and Melissa, in a 100-year-old plus Beal City farmhouse that Leon lovingly renovated with his own hands and with the help of his father and brothers.

A true jack of all trades, Leon spent most of his career as a farm mechanic at Tilmann Hardware. He loved going out on service calls to farms across Michigan and was highly respected as a mechanic who could fix just about anything. Leon was always generous with his skills and his time, readily helping family, friends, and neighbors whenever they needed it. After retiring from Tilmann Hardware, Leon returned to work at MBR Power Products where he was able to continue doing the work he loved. He looked forward to going to work each day and cared deeply for his coworkers.

Leon loved his community and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, where it was often joked that he held a lifetime seat on the building committee. He also served as an usher for decades. Leon was a longtime member of the Beal City Knights of Columbus Council 3651 and a familiar face at their monthly breakfasts. In later years, he could often be found at the donut table, passing out donuts with a smile and a friendly word for everyone who came by. Leon also proudly served three terms as Nottawa Township Clerk.

In recent years, Leon found his greatest joy in being "Grandpa" to his treasured grandchildren, Caroline and Lincoln Ranta. Time spent with them was what he loved most.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathy (Steffke) Cotter of Beal City; his daughters Krista (Jim) Ranta of Troy, Maria (Pat) Larrance and Melissa (Andy) Phillips of Mt. Pleasant; and his grandchildren, Caroline and Lincoln Ranta of Troy. He is also survived by his siblings Gary (Janet) Cotter of Harrison, Richard (Jane) Cotter, Wayne Cotter, and Dean (Cindy) Cotter all of Beal City, and Michele (Jim) Hatfield of Lake Isabella; parents-in-law, Fred and Florence Steffke of Beal City, brothers-in-law, Ken Steffke of Mt. Pleasant, Bill (Michelle) Steffke, Steve (Krisha Horger) Steffke, Mike (Barb) Steffke, Joe (Jill) Steffke, and Mark (Amy) Steffke all of Beal City, and Chris (Natalie) Steffke of Cedar; sisters-in-law Judi (Greg Bellinger) Steffke of Lake Isabella and Denise (Rich) Griggs of Muskegon; along with many nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Arlene Cotter; brother-in-law Kevin Steffke; sister-in-law Elizabeth Steffke; and nephews Ryan Cotter and Ivan Aney.

A Funeral Mass for Leon will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church. Father Andy LaFramboise will preside. Rite of Committal will be in St. Joseph Cemetery concluding with a luncheon at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. Visitation for Leon will be held Friday, March 20, in the gathering room of St. Joseph the Worker Church from 3:00–7:00 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues on Saturday one hour before Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to Woodland Hospice or St. Joseph the Worker Church.