Michael Cottingham

Michael John Cottingham, 55, of La Crosse, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.

Michael was born in Arcadia on February 28, 1968, to Robert Cottingham and Marie Klopotek.  After graduating from GET High School, Michael worked at various places before devoting over 20 years to Chart Industries in La Crosse.

Michael enjoyed tinkering in his garage doing woodworking projects and cleaning and polishing his truck.   He enjoyed an eclectic variety of music, evident in his vast CD collection and love for attending concerts.  When he wasn’t working, Michael would give the shirt off of his back for anyone in need and enjoyed helping everyone with their home projects and maintenance.  He could be found many times in Dodge working around his sister’s home and spending time with his nephews: Kyle and Lee.  Michael especially enjoyed attending and supporting his great-nephews in their various sporting events, cheering them on whenever he could. Though he kept his circle small, Michael was a hard-working man, a dependable handyman, and a well-liked friend to all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his mother: Marie Roach of Holmen; sister: Jeanna White of Tomah, Lisa (Mike) Bushman of Dodge, and Mary Howe of La Crosse; many aunts, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; long-time friends: Chris and Angie Carley; and all of his work family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father; stepfather: Tom Roach; and many uncles.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held beginning at 1 PM on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at The Mirage Sports Bar and Grill, 3511 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse.  Burial will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, rural Arcadia.  To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.