Mariano Kotrba, passed from this life suddenly on April 15, 2025 at the age of 24.

Mariano was a kind, intelligent, and compassionate young man. His compassion led him into the medical field where he became an Emergency Medical Technician, working for Superior Ambulance. He was on the way to further his ability to help others through his acceptance into the Physician Assistant program, which he was to attend in June. He loved life, music, good food. He enjoyed working out, fitness, and the outdoors. While studying biology at the University of St. Francis in Joliet from 2019 through 2022, he was a member of the soccer team in which he was forward/midfielder.

Mariano is survived by his parents James and Jeannette Kotrba. He is also survived by his siblings Kiani Ashmus, Macario Kotrba, and Martina Kotrba. He will also be remembered by his grandmother Maria Santiago, numerous aunts, uncles, and friends. He will be forever loved by his high school sweetheart, Anna, to whom he had planned on marrying

Mariano was preceded in death by his grandparents; Israel Santiago, James Kotrba, Suzanne Kotrba, and Maxine Pettinger.

A Visitation will be held at the Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road in Joliet, on Friday, April 25, 2025 beginning at 3:00 P.M. with a Funeral Service to follow at 7:00 P.M. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road in Hillside.