Fr. Michael T. Cotone

(reprinted by permission from Baca's Funeral Chapels and Sunset Crematory - Las Cruces, NM) Father Michael T. Cotone died on January 2, 2025. Father Michael was born on November 18, 1945 in Wadena MN, to Michael and Ellen (Stuntebeck) Cotone. He attended St. Ann’s Grade School in Wadena, and Crosier Seminary High School and Junior College in Onamia, MN. In 1968 he graduated magna cum laude from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN, and completed his Theological studies at the Crosier House of Studies in Fort Wayne, IN in 1974. From 1970-1972 while finishing his Theology degree, Father Michael, taught at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, and then completed his Chaplain’s training at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA, and in the final months before his ordination was a Deacon at St. Cyprian’s Parish in Riverview, MI. Father Michael was ordained a priest at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN on January 12, 1974. Father Michael taught at Crosier Seminary for numerous years as an instructor in classical languages, and philosophy. He was also Chair of the Department of foreign languages, Academic Dean, Chaplain, and Associate Dean of Students for the junior college division. During those years he held numerous offices and positions of leadership within the Crosier Order. Between 1975-1977 Father Michael attended the University of Minnesota to receive a Master’s Degree in Classical Studies. At that time he also was the Pastoral Assistant at Corpus Christi Parish in St. Paul, MN. During his academic career he wrote and published many papers and articles. Father Michael’s special academic interest was the Late Roman Republic, with special love for Julius Caesar, Roman military antiquities, Celtic history and archaeology. Besides his proficiency in Latin and Greek, he also read French and German and spoke Italian. He loved all language and word etymology. For two years in the mid-1980’s Father Michael was the Procurator General of the Crosier Order and lived in Rome. It was a dream posting for him and he spent many Sunday afternoons “ruin wandering” through the Roman Forum and exploring the history and antiquities of the ancient city. During this time he met numerous other expats and would take them along to explore the ruins and antiquities. After the close of Crosier Seminary, Father Michael was the associate pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Grand Rapids, MN and then the Pastor at St. Charles Parish in Cass Lake, MN. Due to his failing eyesight he returned home to Wadena and became the primary care giver for his mother until her death in 2001. In 2001 Father Michael moved to Las Cruces, NM to be close to family and there found the parish of Our Lady of Refuge in La Union, NM. For over 13 years he was their priest and it was one of the happiest and most fulfilling parts of his priestly ministry. The people of Our Ladies’ brought him great joy. He also taught Latin, and a little Greek to a few chosen students who found him through his work in the Diocese of Las Cruces. Along with challenging him academically his teaching brought him great friendship. Father Michael is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen (Larry) Hunt, of Las Cruces, niece, Erin Wildes of Las Cruces, nephew, Cory (Lana) Hunt of Waterville, MN, great nieces Lacey and Angel, great nephew Sam, many cousins, a plethora of wonderful friends, and the people of Our Lady of Refuge. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in La Union, NM on January 15, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to10:30 A.M.., Recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 A.M. and the mass at 11:00 A.M., followed by a reception in the parish hall. (Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com)

Fr. Michael T. Cotone

November 18, 1945 - January 2, 2025