John Cotton Obituary

John Wilbur Cotton, 86, died on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital-St Marys Campus. John was born on November 23, 1938 to Wilbur and Dorothy (Johnson) Cotton in Rochester, MN. He graduated in 1957 from Rochester Senior High School. He enlisted in the US Navy after high school and was honorably discharged in 1965. He worked for Crenlo for several years, the state hospital, and retired from Olmsted County maintenance department in 2004 after 25 years of service. He was entrepreneur and ran his own business in appliance repair. John married Patricia Louise Harwick on November 16, 1963. They had one lovely daughter, Michelle. John enjoyed speed boat racing, sprint car racing, and spending time with family. John is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Brian) Jennings; grandchildren, Ashley, Jayde, Mia; brother, Thomas Cotton; sister, Nancy Cotton; and his beloved dog, Keisha. John was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Patricia. A private burial will be held at 1:00 p.m on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of John may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com