Mike Motz, 1967–2025

Jul 1, 2025

Michael Louis Motz, a man of a thousand jokes, a million stories and just as many strong opinions, passed away suddenly at home in Sidney, Nebraska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from a heart attack.

He was 58.

Born May 11, 1967, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to William Charles Motz and Barbara Ann Motz (née Agar), Mike was never one to go unnoticed or unheard for long. If you knew him, you knew him. And if you didn't, give it five minutes and he'd introduce himself — probably with a story, a Seinfeld reference or a quick-witted comeback that you weren't sure if he was serious or joking. (Spoiler: it was both.)

Many in Sidney knew Mike as the senior staff reporter and sports editor for the Sidney Sun-Telegraph, where he covered high school sports, then town meetings and then community stories. He covered as much as he could and always did so with sincerity, insight and just the right amount of humor. But those who only knew him from the community newsroom might be surprised to learn about the many other chapters in the Book of Motz.

He was raised in the semi-wilds of New Jersey, where his early years were spent adventuring through woods with his friends — or completely off the radar for days, immersed in dice rolls and dragon lore in a basement, playing Dungeons and Dragons. His love for storytelling began there and only grew stronger.

He proudly attended Rutgers University, a fact he made sure the world knew by way of at least one visible article of Rutgers-branded clothing or accessory at all times — unless, of course, it was his day to sport something from the Giants or Mets collections.

Mike was also a proud alumnus of the American Comedy Institute in Manhattan, where he completed their one-year program from 2007–2008. What followed was a vibrant second (or third? maybe fourth?) act in the world of stand-up and stage comedy.

He became the beloved “mascot” and crowd favorite of the long-running Off-Broadway show, Ted Greenberg's The Complete Performer, where he made audiences laugh every Saturday night for more than a decade. He was also a longtime member of the internationally acclaimed The Nat Turner Revue Improv Troupe. Rich Jackson, the Troupe's founder said, "Mike was always a solid performer that you could count on to bring his best, no matter what. Plus, he was just really really a good guy."

When he wasn't at the theater, Mike could be found performing at nearly every major comedy venue in New York City Gotham Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club and the iconic Grisly Pear. During the week, he was often producing and performing at local shows across New Jersey and NYC — whether it was a comedy dive, a back-room bar or a rooftop with a single spotlight and a pawn shop amp. If there was a stage, Mike was on it (or trying to talk someone into hosting one).

Mike loved him some politics. And he loved talking about politics. And he really loved talking about politics, even when you didn't want to. Those lucky enough to have engaged in one of his spirited "discussions" usually walked away shaking their head, rolling their eyes or muttering — but always feeling just a bit more alive, and definitely more entertained.

In addition to his many performances, in 2012, Mike embarked on a nationwide adventure with his partner, Barbara Perez, filming and performing with Project Highway. This ambitious endeavor, originally envisioned as a one-year journey, spanned over three years and took them through 43 states. Together, they performed hundreds of shows, showcasing local mom-and-pop establishments and supporting small businesses across America. Their journey was documented and shared with audiences through various media outlets, including radio stations and television news segments.

To know Mike was to be reminded that life is absurd, beautiful and worth laughing about — even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.

Preceding him in death was his father William, his older brother Steve, and more than one stage performance. In fact, he might have been relieved to die at home instead of on stage because he was already used to that.

He is survived by his mother Barbara Motz, sister Nancy Fogelman, nephew Christopher Fogelman, all of Cape Coral, Florida, and his three favorite kids in the world: Chaz and "Sierra Bearra" Messina and Barbara's granddaughter, Tahlia Perez.

He also is leaving behind a grieving newsroom, a stunned community, countless fans, friends and fellow performers, and most heartbreakingly, his best friend and life partner of 15 years, Barbara Perez, who shared both a newsroom and a life with him.

He will be remembered for his booming voice, his soft heart, his sharp tongue and his total inability to whisper.