Daniel Lloyd Cotter, 74, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, at his home with family by his side, exactly two months to the day of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Dan was born Aug. 4, 1943, in Austin to Mary and Lloyd Cotter. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Austin, and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1961. Dan attended St. Thomas University for two years, then transferred to South Dakota State where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and animal science.

On Dec. 20, 1969, he was united in marriage to Sheila Donovan. Dan and Sheila were married for almost 25 years, and enjoyed their children, son Casey and daughter Cara. Sheila and Dan later divorced.

Dan attended St. Edward and St. Augustine Catholic churches of Austin and was a devout supporter of Austin Pacelli High School where his children and grandchildren also graduated.

At the age of 26, after the sudden death of his father, Dan took over the family farm which has been, and will continue to be in the Cotter family for generations. Dan loved the land and took pride in agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production, which was evident by his lifelong commitment to the farm. Dan took great pride in his seed and chemical business and enjoyed serving his customers for over 30 years, some of whom continued to seek his advice in the recent years after his retirement.

He is survived by his son, Casey (Kasey); daughter, Cara (Tim); six grandchildren, Ashtin, Jordan, Kyler, Abby, Norah and Quinn; sister, Mary Joan Balow (Richard); nieces, Susan O’Connor (Joe), Kristin Giles (Dan), and their children; special friend, Sharon Miller; and special four-legged friend, Goldy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mary (Lickteig) Cotter; many wonderful aunts including his special aunt, Rita Lickteig; uncles; cousins; nieces; nephews.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at St. Augustine where there will be a 7 p.m. prayer service, and also one hour before the service at St. Augustine on Monday.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences maybe left online at www.mayerfh.com