Bruce A. Kotnik, age 72, passed away March 4, 2026, at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.  He was born July 13, 1953, in East Cleveland to Henry John Kotnik and Virginia M. (Kolar) Kotnik.

Bruce was a true patriot who loved and dutifully served his country. Served in the US Navy as a Submariner for 4 years, 2 years as Park Ranger and 25 years as a Detective for the City of Cleveland Police Department.

Bruce was an avid hobbyist that enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, history, cars, dogs, old movies, collecting, winemaking and cooking. He was also a Black Belt in Taekwondo.

He is survived by his sister, Gayle Louise Schiltz and brother-in-law David George Schiltz; His niece and husband, Amber Schiltz Hussey and William Hand Hussey, III; His Nephew and wife, Matthew David Schiltz and Adelle Charlyn Schiltz; His great-nephews, William Hand Hussey, IV, George Hudson Hussey, Henry Orville Schiltz, and Archer Matthew Schiltz; Great-niece, Hazel Sigrid Schiltz; and very Special friend, Brenda Dee Wandersleben

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Casey David Schiltz

In lieu of flowers please donate to The National Cancer Society.

Graveside services for Bruce will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 9, 2026, at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.

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American Cancer Society
10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland OH 44106
Web: http://www.cancer.org/