Jon "Jono" Bot

After the band finished the final encore and the house lights came up, Jono Bot left the show and stepped out into the hands of God. Jon ("Jono") Breen Bot, 62, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2018.  He loved live music.  He loved people even more.  And people loved Jono.

Jono, son of Albert and Barbara (Breen) Bot, was born on January 26, 1956 and grew up in Luverne, Minnesota. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1974. He earned a degree in restaurant and hotel management from Southwest State University, Marshall, MN.  Jono was blessed with a daughter, Kelli Jo, on December 2, 1981.  He married the love of his life, Susan (Ries) from Freeman, SD on February 20, 1994. 

Following college, Jono worked in Marshall, MN at the Wooden Nickel and then managed Club 59 before moving to Sioux Falls, where he managed The First Edition Restaurant. Jono later started his own business, after he purchased Lee's Cafe in 1990 and renamed it Jono's Bar and Grill.  Jono then started JonoFest, a Sioux Falls tradition to highlight local bands, which drew thousands of happy patrons over the years.  After 17 years, he sold Jono's to "retire." Four months later, already bored, he purchased the Sky Lounge in Tea, SD with a friend.  Jono eventually sold the Sky Lounge and "retired" again.  After spending much of his retirement at Dean-O's, the neighborhood hangout, his patient and supportive wife suggested he might as well just buy the place.  He did.  Jono established Botski's Bar and Grill in 2012, which quickly became known for the best fried chicken and chislic in town and a crowd-pleasing weekend breakfast. 

Jono’s passions included annual fishing trips to Canada with family and friends, golfing, grilling and entertaining friends with his embellished, but highly entertaining stories. He loved attending sporting events and rarely missed a concert. Todd Rundgren and Jimmy Buffet were among his favorites. 

Above all, Jono loved his family and friends. His survivors include his wife Susan; mother Barbara A. Bot, Luverne, MN; daughter Kelli Spader (Brian) Sioux Falls, SD;  grandchildren Josephine, Jhaimann, Briggs and Nash; sisters Kris Anne Christenson (Robert), Sioux Falls, SD, Robin Fritsch (John), Sioux Falls, SD, Connie England (Rod), Richfield, MN, Jennifer Middleton (Kerry), Richfield, MN; many nieces and nephews; innumerable friends and the beloved cats Pauli, Rascal, Tait and Nash. He was preceded in death by his father Albert F. Bot, his niece Elizabeth Fritsch and his nephew Thomas Cole England.

Visitation will take place at First Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Jono's memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30 at First Lutheran Church with a time of fellowship and dinner to follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be directed to Multiple Myeloma Research or the Luverne Dollars for Scholars Jono Bot Scholarship fund. A special thanks to Dr. Hack of Sanford, Dr. Warsame of the Mayo Clinic, and the caring staff at Sanford Ava's House.