Maria Kotlarz Maria Kotlarz, 72, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away on August 18, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Maria was born on December 10, 1952, in Laredo, Texas, to Manuel and Guadalupe Casso. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Carlos and Manuel. Maria is lovingly remembered by her husband of 49 years, Chuck Kotlarz; her children Kathy Buttry (Luke), Karen Loss (Nate), Lisa Harned (Jeff), and Carlos Kotlarz (Shawna); her 18 grandchildren, who were her greatest joy; her sisters Gloria Soriano (Tony) and Mary Alice Huerta (Rudy), and her brothers Ricardo (Esmeralda), Oracio (Brenda), and Enrique Casso. Maria grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, where she later married Chuck on July 24, 1976. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and service. She was proud to serve on the Governor's Advisory Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and devoted much of her career to helping others. After moving from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Iowa in 1982, Maria worked part-time at Younkers until 2004, when she returned to Marquette University to complete her Bachelor's degree. A dedicated substitute teacher for many years, Maria also served her community as a medical and legal interpreter across several counties for more than two decades. She will be remembered for her kindness, her perseverance, and her deep love for her family. Maria's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. The family plans on having a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, cards can be sent to C/O Lisa Harned 5501 149th St. Urbandale, IA 50323