In the wooded fields of southern Fond du Lac County, 24-year-old Michael Ryan Kottke of Lomira tragically died on November 22, 2025, from an apparent accidental gunshot wound while hunting from a tree stand.
Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call at 8:28 p.m. near Stumpf and Wild Goose roads in the town of Oakfield, finding him deceased near his stand. The incident occurred on the opening day of Wisconsin’s gun deer season, leaving his young family and community in profound grief.
Michael graduated from Oakfield High School with the Class of 2019, where he balanced academics with involvement in outdoor clubs and vocational classes. He pursued hands-on training in electrical work, reflecting a practical young man eager to build a stable career in the trades.
Michael worked as an electrician for Pieper Electric in Fond du Lac, handling installations and repairs with reliability over five years. Colleagues valued his strong work ethic and willingness to tackle challenging jobs. His professional life centered on supporting local infrastructure in the Fox Valley area.
Michael shared a loving home with his wife of four years, Alexia Lynn Flury Kottke, and their 5-month-old son, Maddox, in Lomira, where family moments like bedtime stories strengthened their bonds. He stayed close to his parents, Timothy and Barbara Bengel Kottke, through weekend gatherings. These ties formed the joyful core of his young family life.
Michael embraced an active routine with early morning workouts and evening family time, blending his electrician shifts with outdoor passions. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with friends and golfing on weekends, hobbies that highlighted his adventurous spirit.
Fond du Lac County honors Michael with a visitation on November 29 at Lighthouse Christian Church in Fond du Lac, followed by burial. His family appreciates support through a GoFundMe, channeling grief into memories of his infectious laughter. The community reflects on a husband and father whose big heart will endure.