Claire Elaine Milham Kotts, lovingly known as “Cookie,” passed away on November 26, 2025, surrounded by family and held in the hearts of many friends and colleagues. Born on March 16, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Claire grew up in the Como Park neighborhood with her sister Jane, forming lifelong bonds rooted in family, community, and music.

Claire and Jane had one cousin, Diane. They were a tight knit family and spent time together at their grandparents home nearly every week. During that time Claire, Diane and Jane have fond memories of sitting on the front porch with Grandma Thrall watching the world go by. 

Educated in Saint Paul Public Schools, Claire excelled academically, earning Honor Roll distinction at Chelsea Heights Elementary, Como Park Junior High, and Murray Senior High. She participated in Luther League at Emmaus Lutheran Church and was an active member of the Camp Fire Girls.  She served as a volunteer Candy Striper at Bethesda Hospital.   Musically gifted, Claire sang in the Murray High School Octet. She was trained by a concert pianist, served as the organist at Messiah Lutheran Church, and treasured playing her Steinway baby grand piano throughout her life.

Claire earned her B.A. from Hamline University and later completed her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, a milestone that helped shape her distinguished scientific career. Claire met John Kotts at Hamline University, they were married and several years later welcomed their beloved son, Elliott. John passed away in 1992. 

Claire and Elliott moved to Shoreview, Minnesota, where a serendipitous meeting at the mailbox brought Brian into their lives. The connection was immediate, and they were married on Valentines Day 39 years ago.

Claire and Brian later moved to St. Louis, Missouri and then to San Francisco, California to pursue their careers. As a published scientist, Claire made significant contributions through both research and development. She spent her career developing life-saving medications in the emerging biotech industry. Her intellect, curiosity and commitment to improving human health made her a leader in her field. 

After retiring in her early 50's, Claire and Brian returned to Minnesota and built a home on Forest Lake. Claire loved throwing parties - especially on the Fourth of July. After one too many winters, they became snowbirds and divided their time between Las Vegas, Nevada, Crosslake, Minnesota, and Woodbury, Minnesota keeping close ties with the family and friends she cherished. Organized and thoughtful, Claire loved making big plans and creating opportunities to bring people together. In Las Vegas, she especially enjoyed holidays with the Knight family and trips to the casino for gaming and dinner with her friends and family. 

Remembered for her intelligence, wit, warmth, and generous spirit, Claire is mourned by family, many friends and colleagues, and especially by her beloved “Merrill Street” group. Her presence, guidance, and laughter will be deeply missed and forever treasured.

Claire is survived by her husband Brian Brogmus, son Elliott Kotts (Shanshan), sister Jane McCollom (Gary), cousin Diane Waldoch (Larry), Brian’s siblings Mary Mayerhofer (Peter), Jeff Brogmus, nephews Charlie Milham, Phil Swain (Kasia), Brian’s nephews Austin Mayerhofer, Eric Mayerhofer, grandnieces and grandnephews.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday January 13, 2026 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church (1575 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN). Visitation at 9:30am with memorial service at 10:00am. Reception to follow at 11:30am at Southview Country Club (239 Mendota Road E, West St. Paul, MN 55118).

The church will live-stream the Memorial Service on their Facebook page beginning 5 minutes before the service at

https://www.facebook.com/sslcwsp/live/

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite local charity. Claire's philanthropic motto was "Give where you live and don't forget the pets".