Hans Kottmann

Hans Kottmann, 92, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center-St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 4:00 PM. Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to sign Hans’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Hans was born March 7, 1925 in Benezenschwil, Switzerland to Kaspar Kottmann and Anna Rey. He attended High School and baking school in Switzerland where he become a pastry chef. In his 20’s he received a sponsorship to come to the United States to work as a pastry chef at the Whitcomb Hotel where he began his career. Mr. Emil Tosi then offered to build Hans a bakery next to Tosi’s that Hans could operate for Tosi’s or run as his own independent Pastry shop. Hans named his Pastry shop Bit of Swiss. Hans ran this very successful business in Stevensville for over 22 years.  Hans had a true passion for baking which was made obvious by his hard work and dedication to his business. Hans also enjoyed working in his yard where he planted a small forest of trees.  On June 11, 1955 he married Mary Zaccagnini in St. Joseph.  He is survived by his daughter Rande (David) Fuller; son John (Gwen) Kottmann; granddaughter Cara (Dave) Antonowitsch; great-granddaughters Ava and Isla Antonowitsch. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary on August 7, 2016, parents, two sisters and four brothers.