Joseph Bernard Cotter (November 19, 1844 – June 27, 1909) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

Bishop Thomas Grace of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul decided to sponsor Cotter's preparation for the priesthood, sending him to St. Francis de Sales Seminary near Milwaukee in September 1864.

When he traveled to Wabasha, Minnesota, for a confirmation class, he was greeted by a crowd at the station and a parade of over 800 people accompanied him to the church for the service.

He thanked the children for the lesson their program game him and remarked that he was not surprised to find so much culture in Rochester, calling the city one of the gems in the crown of the diocese.

[4] By the turn of the century, the Diocese of Winona was securely established and its bishop was recognized as a civic, as well as religious, leader.

Both the church and the community had celebrated Bishop Cotter's silver jubilee as a priest in 1896 with addresses and receptions.

Physicians diagnosed a heart condition, but the bishop maintained his heavy schedule of confirmations, dedications, and other official ceremonies.

[5] A newspaper editorial mourning Bishop Cotter's death pointed out that "he left behind him a monument...the Diocese of Winona.

"[attribution needed] By the time of his death, the diocese consisted of 90 priests; 135 parishes, missions, or chapels; 30 parochial schools; three hospitals; and an orphanage.

Almost 30 years after Bishop Cotter's death, Father John Sherman of Winona wrote, "His memory lives in the respect and affection of a devoted people...