Rochester comic book shop owner dies of sudden illness – Reuters
ROCHESTER — A well-known Rochester businessman and store owner died Monday night, after falling suddenly ill less than three weeks ago.
Craig Cotten was a familiar and popular figure in the Rochester retail scene for decades, working first at Face the music then to The book review. He became the owner of the Book Review, a comic book, game and sports card shop in Rochester’s Hillcrest Mall, in 2008.
Kelly MooreCotten’s sister, announced her death on Facebook on Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Craig passed away on Monday evening. We will be hosting a celebration of life in the coming weeks. I will post details once they are set,” he said. she writes.
Cotten fell ill on June 23, when what he thought was just a cold turned into something more serious. Doctors at Saint Marys Hospital in the Mayo Clinic told her that her organs were shutting down due to septic shock, according to her family.
He was diagnosed with kidney stones and pneumonia as well as very aggressive acute leukemia.
Cotten’s Book Review store, which he ran himself, is closed.
In 2016, Cotten wrote about the experience of running her own business for an article in the Post Bulletin. He estimated that he worked over 60 hours a week to keep the business running.
When asked about the most difficult aspects of owning a business, Cotten wrote, “Long hours, low pay and high stress.”
However, he also answered the question of what is the best aspect of freelancing and running your own store.
“Be your own boss. You look forward to going to work every day. It’s a challenge. It’s all up to you whether you succeed or not,” he wrote.
Jeff Kiger tracks business action in Rochester and southeastern Minnesota every day in “Heard on the Street.” Send advice to
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