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Stephen Kottler

Date of Death: December 17, 2025

Date of Birth: November 4, 1949

Biography:

Lewiston - Stephen Kottler, 76, died on December 17, 2025 at his home in Lewiston. He was born in Augusta on November 4, 1949.

A graduate of Cony High School, Stephen attended Johns Hopkins University before receiving a Masters degree from the Harvard School of Education. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law and opened a solo law practice in Lewiston in the 1980s. Later he was associated with the law firm Hardy, Wolf and Downing. Stephen served on the Board of the Lewiston Public Library Trustees for twelve years, acting as chair for most of those years. He was instrumental in establishing the LPL's popular Great Falls Forum, an important part of LPL programming which continues to this day. 

After retirement, Stephen studied to become a Homeopathic Master Clinician. He maintained a homeopathic practice in Lewiston for many years, successfully treating people facing a variety of health issues, some chronic and never before resolved.

Stephen was known for his wide range of knowledge and expertise, and for his ability to problem solve health, legal, automobile and other issues for those who formally or informally consulted him. Music was one of his greatest passions, and he enjoyed it the most when sharing it with others. He regularly sent his friends emails about their shared enjoyment of sports, music, memories and life, with long-forgotten anecdotes about shared sporting heroes or obscure YouTube clips of musicians they might like. Stephen loved vintage postcards, which he sent to his loved ones to mark birthdays, anniversaries and achievements, or just to say, "I'm thinking of you."

Stephen was considered to be the consummate friend to those in his inner circles. His signature wry wit brought smiles to both loved ones and strangers, and he always offered a gentle, compassionate presence to those who needed it. He was as comfortable speaking in a courtroom and guiding homeopathy clients through life challenges as he was chatting with people in checkout lines. For decades, he acted as a mentor to many young people, both professionally and personally. He enjoyed introducing people in his various circles to each other, and never failed to tell his loved ones how special they were, and how much they meant to him. Stephen often said, just when someone might need to hear it, "We're all in this together."

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Charles Kottler, and his wife, Jane Weed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maura Murphy, and sister Susan (Stephen Shestakofsky) Belmont, MA, and brother George, Miami, FL, brother-in-law Jay Weed of Key West, FL, and nephews Nick, Jon, and Ben Shestakofsky and their families. Stephen will be remembered and missed by his family and many dear friends. 

Now "we're all in this together," as his family and dear friends remember and miss Stephen Kottler.