It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Michael Lee “Kutty”
Kotlarz, age 43, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on September 12,
2025.
Born on February 12, 1982, with a full head of hair, Michael Lee was an energetic boy
ready to see and do all that life had to offer. He was an adventurous, passionate soul with
vast interests and hobbies, always planning his next excursion. He had a magnetic
personality, made friends from all walks of life, and loved to make people laugh. He was
always meeting new people, accepted everyone without judgment, and would give
anyone the shirt off his back. He taught us the value of taking risks, going out of your
comfort zone, and challenging your beliefs. He was a husband, a son, a brother, a cuñado,
and uncle, and a friend to everyone.
He was forever changed into an even better man when he met the love of his life, Fabiola
Rubio Salazar. They wed on September 15, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church. She
helped him place a deeper value on family, loved him unconditionally, and brought him
back to faith.
Michael Lee graduated from Arcadia High School. He lived in Florida, California, and
Milwaukee but loved his forever home in Buffalo County overlooking the valleys and
wildlife. Michael was committed and proud of his career at Badger Mining Corporation,
talking about “playing in the sandbox all day”. He loved motorcycles, sports, nature,
farming, skiing, dive bars, his amor Fabi, his dog Bella Blue and his countless friends.
He is survived by, and will deeply missed by, his wife, Fabiola Rubio Salazar; parents, Mike
and Sue Kotlarz; sister, Amber (Dallas) Symicek; loving in-laws, Araceli Salazar and Lino
Rubio; brothers-in-law, Daniel Rubio Salazar, Diego (Giselle) Rubio Salazar; sister-in-law,
Perla Rubio Salazar; aunts, Betty (Steve) Andre and Lisa (Mark) Lamberson; uncle, Gary
Andre; nieces and nephews, Daniel Rubio Cruz, Harper, Jackson and June Symicek;
godchildren, Dorian Candelas Cruz, Lalito Rodriguez, Aislinn Rangel; and many, many more
family, extended family & friends he has touched in his short but impactful life.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and other family members and friends.
Family and friends are invited for visitation at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home from 9 am on
Friday, September 19, 2025, until procession to church where a Mass of Christian Burial
will be held at 1 pm at Holy Family Parish, Arcadia, WI with Reverend Kyle Laylan
officiating. Michael Lee will forever be laid to rest alongside his grandfather, Thaddeus
Kotlarz, at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the
Arcadia Country Club. People are encouraged to wear appropriate sports or Harley
Davidson apparel in his memory. All who knew and loved Michael are welcome to attend
and celebrate his life. That would make him smile.
Though his time with us was far too short, Michael’s life will leave a profound impression
on all who knew and loved him.
No responses yet