Michael Thomas Kotzer was born August 30, 1961, in Mohall, North Dakota, the son of Jerome and Kathleen (Arneson) Kotzer. He grew up in Mohall and received his GED. He went on to receive a college degree in plumbing. On July 25, 1998, Michael was united in marriage to Desiree Cree Rawls at Wahpeton City Park, Wahpeton, ND. Together, Michael and Desiree were able to share in 10 years of marriage. They lived in Benson and Michael worked for Jennie-O farms in Danvers. Among the things he enjoyed were hunting, fishing, car building and motorcycles. Michael died Wednesday, January 21, 2009, in an automobile accident near Danvers. He attained the age of 47 years, 4 months and 20 days. Michael is survived by is wife Desiree of Benson; his children: John (Monica) Solem of Hancock, Joshua Kotzer of Benson, Nicole Kotzer of Morris, Michael J. Kotzer of Quantico, VA, Stacy Kotzer of Tintah, Bryanna Rawls of Rexburg, ID, and Dylan Rawls of Lewisburg, PA; five grandchildren: Cameron Kotzer, Damian Solem, Payten Solem, Porscha Solem and Devan Solem; his mother, Kathleen Kotzer of Moholl, ND; siblings: Debbie (Glenn) Johnson of Wahpeton, ND, Connie (Tim) Vosberg of Wahpeton, ND, Kathy (Kellen) Forbes of Velva, ND, Rick Kotzer of Jamestown, ND, and Terry (JoAnn) Kotzer of Glenburn, ND; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Sue Ann Kotzer, his father Jerome Kotzer, and a brother, Jerry Kotzer.