1922
Vernon
2006
Vernon Botker
May 26, 1922 — April 30, 2006
Vernon F. Botker
May 26, 1922 ~ April 30, 2006
Vernon Freeman Botker was born on May 26, 1922, in Clinton, MN, to parents, Elmer and Violet (Johnson) Botker. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at the Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton, MN, where he was a life-long member. As a young boy, Vernon attended school in Clinton. He enjoyed participating in numerous sporting events especially basketball.
Upon graduating, Vernon entered into the U.S. Air Force where he served his country working as an aircraft mechanic during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Vernon returned home where he began helping his father as a rural mail carrier. During this time, Vernon also helped his uncle farm by driving his team of horses. Vernon enjoyed working with the land and raising crops and he began to rent land and farm on his own, becoming a self-made farmer.
On September 8, 1951, Vernon married Marilyn Almquist in the Olivet Free Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. The couple was married by Marilyn's uncle who was also a minister at the church. Together the couple made their home in Clinton before moving to the farm in 1964. To this union six children were born, David, Dan, Mary, Lisa, Joel, and Sarah.
Vernon loved to farm and enjoyed working the land until just this past fall. When not farming, Vernon took special interest in attending his grandchildren's sporting and music events. A favorite pastime for Vernon was bowling, and he treasured memories made when he won State in the 60 to 65 age group and was invited to the National Tournament in Las Vegas, where he placed second in his division. Vernon was a quiet and gentle man who led by example, never complaining. His patient, humble ways will not be forgotten by those that loved him.
Vernon passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006 at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, reaching the age of 83. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Violet; one brother, Norman Botker; and an infant granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Botker.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Clinton, MN; six children, David (Sharon) Botker of Clinton, MN, Dan (Pam) Botker of Alexandria, MN, Mary (Joe) Plut of Watertown, SD, Lisa (Don) Benson of Faribault, MN, Joel (Karen) Botker of Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Sarah (Ray) White of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Jesse Botker, Grant Botker, Jordan Botker, Adam Botker, Amy Botker, Kaitlyn Plut, Bryan Benson, Andrew Benson, Ryan Duval, Renee Duval, Joshua White, and Noah White; one brother, Don (Shirl) Botker of Ortonville, MN; one sister, Leota (Iver) Moberg of Clinton, MN; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Botker of LeMars, IA; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
May 26, 1922 ~ April 30, 2006
Vernon Freeman Botker was born on May 26, 1922, in Clinton, MN, to parents, Elmer and Violet (Johnson) Botker. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at the Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton, MN, where he was a life-long member. As a young boy, Vernon attended school in Clinton. He enjoyed participating in numerous sporting events especially basketball.
Upon graduating, Vernon entered into the U.S. Air Force where he served his country working as an aircraft mechanic during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Vernon returned home where he began helping his father as a rural mail carrier. During this time, Vernon also helped his uncle farm by driving his team of horses. Vernon enjoyed working with the land and raising crops and he began to rent land and farm on his own, becoming a self-made farmer.
On September 8, 1951, Vernon married Marilyn Almquist in the Olivet Free Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. The couple was married by Marilyn's uncle who was also a minister at the church. Together the couple made their home in Clinton before moving to the farm in 1964. To this union six children were born, David, Dan, Mary, Lisa, Joel, and Sarah.
Vernon loved to farm and enjoyed working the land until just this past fall. When not farming, Vernon took special interest in attending his grandchildren's sporting and music events. A favorite pastime for Vernon was bowling, and he treasured memories made when he won State in the 60 to 65 age group and was invited to the National Tournament in Las Vegas, where he placed second in his division. Vernon was a quiet and gentle man who led by example, never complaining. His patient, humble ways will not be forgotten by those that loved him.
Vernon passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006 at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, reaching the age of 83. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Violet; one brother, Norman Botker; and an infant granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Botker.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Clinton, MN; six children, David (Sharon) Botker of Clinton, MN, Dan (Pam) Botker of Alexandria, MN, Mary (Joe) Plut of Watertown, SD, Lisa (Don) Benson of Faribault, MN, Joel (Karen) Botker of Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Sarah (Ray) White of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Jesse Botker, Grant Botker, Jordan Botker, Adam Botker, Amy Botker, Kaitlyn Plut, Bryan Benson, Andrew Benson, Ryan Duval, Renee Duval, Joshua White, and Noah White; one brother, Don (Shirl) Botker of Ortonville, MN; one sister, Leota (Iver) Moberg of Clinton, MN; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Botker of LeMars, IA; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.