Robert C. "Bob" Bottger

JoAnn,

I'm sorry that Rich and I never had the pleasure of meeting your beloved Bob, and that we never had a chance to catch up in person with you in all these years. You've always held a very special place in both our hearts, and that will continue.

We hope, as you grieve the loss of your husband, that it won't be long until the pain of this sad time will give way to only precious, warm memories of the life you shared with Bob.

I met Bob through my best friend Steve Hancock. I believe I was introduced as a potential swimmer although I had no prior experience in competitive swimming. On Steve’s word Bob allowed me to tryout. Unfortunately my inexperience showed and I was cut. Bob suggested I take a his competitive swimming class. Midseason Bob allowed me to tryout again and I made it. Belonging to the team, traveling, and competing is an experience I consider one of the highlights in my life. I can’t Thank you enough...

My deepest condolences to Bob’s Wife, Family and Friends. I played Softball at STLCC Meramec, 96-98 and have fond memories of Bob as our Athletic Director, Mentor and Friend. He made a lasting impression on me and my college experience as an athlete and student. May you all find peace and comfort in your cherished memories.

I am writing from Melbourne, Australia to express my sincerest condolences to Bob's family and especially his lovely wife, JoAnn. Bob was a great colleague at STLCC and an awesome person.

As far as I know, Sharon & I are the only two FloValley swimmers that got married. Coach believed in me enough to spend time making me into a competitive swimmer. Once he entrusted me with his wife and two little boys to drive his truck with them in it to Miami following the team for training over Christmas break. He instilled a sense of pride in what we did together as a team, he encouraged scholastic excellence and we were like family. Bob you were always a mentor and became my friend. You...

JoAnn, I am sorry to learn of Bob's death. Congratulations on your long life together. It is so rare that one hears about such loyalty and devotion. The obituary was very nice, and the photo reminded me of him. Grief is very difficult, but I hope you are doing well.

Tony Cuneo

You were the best of us Bob. Rest in peace brother.

Coach I’ll always remember you in my life and how we met at my neighborhood Robinwood West swim club Terry Geisler became your first Star swimmer from there I really wasn’t even looking at swimming in JC but I’m happy to have met such nice friends from those Flo Valley JC teams We shall always remember your great coaching
Brian and Laurie Adams

I know I wasn´t Bob´s first choice for yoga teacher at Meramec, but once hired I knew that he and the faculty respected me to the point to the point where he helped us with continued education classes. We were a team. He was a great and fair leader. So sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to JoAnn and family.