David Botzenhardt

David Botzenhardt, 83, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Irvine, California. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and master builder, Dave lived a life marked by faith, craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Born on January 8, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Dave was raised in a home where skilled hands and strong values shaped his early years. His father, Paul Botzenhardt, a master craftsman and whiskey barrel maker, introduced Dave to carpentry at the age of 14—an experience that would lay the foundation for a lifelong vocation. Dave qualified for the technical high school in Chicago, where he further honed his skills and developed a passion for building that would define his career.

In 1965, Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas. It was during this time that he met the love of his life. At age 22, Dave walked into an Assemblies of God church in Junction City, Kansas. He was driving a baby blue Pontiac convertible. There he met Alice Tatum, who introduced him to her daughter Marilyn. Marilyn had just finished playing the marimba when Dave asked her out for coffee after the service, despite not drinking coffee himself. She declined but agreed to let him drive her home--eager for a ride in that convertible. Their connection was instant and profound. Just three days after Dave got orders for Vietnam, they were married - a union that endured for sixty years.

When he was deployed to Vietnam as part of the Big Red One from Fort Riley, Kansas. His exceptional abilities earned him the responsibility of constructing officers' quarters upon arrival—a testament to both his skill and reliability under pressure.

After returning safely from Vietnam, Dave left behind the cold winters of Chicago and moved to California. There he built not only homes but a legacy. Starting with residential construction, he quickly advanced to become a contractor known for tackling complex and ambitious projects. His portfolio included an education center, two churches, a college dormitory, numerous multi-million dollar homes in some of the nation's most exclusive neighborhoods, a remodeled gymnasium, and a six-story dormitory. His work even took him overseas to Liberia, Africa, where he helped build a church—an act that reflected both his craftsmanship and his deep commitment to service.

Dave's faith was central throughout his life. Raised in the Assemblies of God church in Chicago, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and served faithfully in ministry roles for many years. He volunteered extensively with the ministry of Hermano Pablo, offering both his time and talents in support of its mission.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn; their son Brent and his wife Brittany; and four cherished grandchildren: Kristin, Kaia, Brody, and Kayla.

He is also remembered by an extended family who loved him dearly: nephew Kurt (Julie), great-nephew Kurt and great-niece Kathryn; cousins David (Judy) and Vera (John); sister-in-law Donna (Keith); niece Trisha (Kiko), great-nephew Frankie and great-niece Lucia; niece Tara (Brenton), great-nephews Ben and Owen; brother-in-law Steve; nieces Jennifer and Kelli; brother-in-law Carl; nephew Stephen (Sarah), great-nieces Brianna and Emily and great-nephew Tate; niece Salleah (Matt), great-nephews Andrew, Noah, Luke, and Sam; nephew Paul; sister-in-law Carol (Ron); niece Shara (Craig), great-nephews Colton, Connor, and Corbin; nephew Ronnie (Tiffiny), great-nephew Kannen and great-niece Cali.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul Botzenhardt and Caroline Hutt Botzenhardt; sister Evelyn Kopanke; father-in-law Frank Tatum; mother-in-law Alice Tatum; brother-in-law Dan Tatum; sister-in-law Sharon Calfee; and nephew Ryan Calfee.

Throughout his life—from building skyscrapers in Chicago to churches across continents—Dave embodied integrity, skill, faithfulness, and love. He leaves behind not only structures made with wood and stone but also a legacy built on devotion to God and family.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at South Coast Christian Church, 31501 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano, CA. This Celebration of Life will be held in the church building that Dave built.