Couple buys Kottke Jewelers

For more than 100 years, three generations of the Kottkes greeted and cared for those who walked into their family’s jewelry store in downtown Owatonna.
Their commitment to customer service and the legacy they created are now in the hands of Lauren Kozelka and her husband, Kyle, who recently bought the store from Faye Kottke, the widow of longtime owner and community booster Bill Kottke who died in 2014.
“I fulfilled a lifelong dream when my husband, Kyle, and I purchased Kottke Jewelers on Dec. 29, 2021,” said Kozelka in a Facebook post. “Cheers to another 100 years in this great community – we look forward to continuing traditions and creating new and exciting memories for generations to come.”
Kozelka isn’t new to Kottke Jewelers. She began working there in 2010 while in high school through a work study program.
It was then, she said, that she realized her passion was  jewelry. “I always loved fashion, but Bill sparked my love of jewelry.”
After graduating from Owatonna High School, Kozelka headed off to college, studying Business and Management at Winona State – all while continuing to work for the Kottkes.
“Bill passed away my senior year in college,” said Kolzeka. “When I think of Bill, I think of his smile and I think about how contagious his smile was.”
As graduation neared in 2015, Kozelka said Matt and Lisa Kottke offered her the store manager position upon graduation.
Matt Kottke, one of Bill Kottke’s sons, had left his job in the sales and marketing department of Truth after 31 years to help his father who was ill.
“I left Truth when my dad’s health prevented him from working [at the store],” said Matt Kottke. “Sadly, I never had the opportunity to work alongside him in the store as he passed away a few months after I started.”
It was Carl Kottke, Matt Kottke’s grandfather, who started Kottke Jewelers.
As a young man, Carl Kottke had worked at Jostens in their jewelry department. He left Jostens in 1919 to join John Jurgenson who had a jewelry store in Owatonna.
“Grandpa eventually bought out Mr. Jurgenson and became the sole proprietor in early- to mid-20s, “ said Matt Kottke.
“My dad moved the family back from Des Moines in 1965. I believe my dad bought the business from grandpa in the late 1960s.
“Grandpa continued to work at the store until just two weeks before he passed away at age 92.”
“The bridal business has always been part of our store and we’ve enjoyed helping people along as they start their lives creating a ring special for just that couple,” said Matt Kottke.
“I was always touched hearing stories from customers when they came who would tell about how their father, grandfather, etc. had bought their engagement rings from my dad or grandpa and therefore, they wanted to continue the tradition and buy their engagement ring from our store as well.”
“I’m probably most proud of the legacy that my father and grandfather created and still continues today,” said Matt Kottke. “The reputation they created is still being honored with the work going on there.
“I’m also proud of the contribution my father and grandfather and the store in general played – and continues to play – in the growth and support of the community.
“There are a lot of exciting things happening in Owatonna, specifically downtown Owatonna and I’m thankful Kottke Jewelers will remain a permanent fixture in the heart of this wonderful community.”
The store is in good hands, said Matt Kottke.
“Lauren Kozelka is a lifelong Owatonna resident. She’s been with the store for 10 years and has developed wonderful relationships with our customers,” he said, adding that she is also very involved in several business organizations, including Owatonna Business Women and the Downtown Business Association/Owatonna Business Partnership.
And in the spirit of family involvement Kozelka’s parents, James and Lori Springer, are also involved. They purchased the building that been home to Kottke Jewelers for more than 100 years,  from Faye Kottke.
“We want it to always be Kottke Jewelers,” said Kozelka last week. “Bill had such a way with people…always helping them find the perfect gift and creating a lasting relationship with the customers.”
Kozelka said she wants the transition in ownership to be seamless and that she plans to keep things as normal as possible.
As for the store itself, she said she plans to hold on to its vintage charm.