About Us

Three generations of Kottke family have been helping people celebrate life events with fine jewelry and engagement rings in Owatonna. Kottke Jewelers has a rich tradition in our community.  Founded in 1919 by Carl Kottke & John Jurgenson, Kottke Jewelers has been a mainstay on the 100 Block of North Cedar since the very early days of Owatonna.  Carl Kottke bought out his partner in the late 20's and the store has remained solely in the Kottke Family ever since. In the early days of the jewelry store, like so many stores of their day, Kottke Jewelers was involved in everything from fine jewelry, watches, clocks, china, crystal and silverware, to fountain pens, wire-rimmed eye glasses, and even the repair of electric shavers.

Over the years Kottke's business gravitated to traditional jewelry store offerings, including watch, clock, & jewelry repair, and specialized in bridal options including custom designs at the hands of Carl Kottke himself. In the mid-60's, Carl's son, Bill Kottke, joined his father and eventually became the owner of the store.  The two of them worked side-by-side until Carl's passing at the age of 93.  Remarkably, Carl Kottke was still working at the store up until the time of his death. The legacy that Carl created, was continued by Bill & his wife Faye, for the decades that followed and the jewelry store continued to thrive and prosper.  Known not only for their quality jewelry and repair work, Kottke's built a wonderful reputation for their community spirit -supporting numerous programs and projects that helped Owatonna continue to grow, not the least of which were those related to the youth in this community. Sadly, in 2014, after nearly 50 years of proudly serving his customers Bill Kottke passed away, however even in his absence the jewelry store continues to march forward. Today, Bill and Faye's son Matt is in the store and, along with store manager, Lauren Kozelka are here to serve the latest generation of Kottke Jewelers customers.  While  visitors to the store today will notice changes to the decor, the charm, elegance and most importantly the same quality products & service that our loyal customers will recall from the days of Carl & Bill remain.

As Kottke Jewelers closes in on 100 years of business, we are proud to say that we are the oldest store still run by the same family in the same location here in Owatonna.