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BORN
1956
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
4800 S Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Jon Bot Obituary
Sioux Falls, SD - 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, 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 immediately reminded the community of his prominence for making 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.
www.heritagesfsd.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Jon Bot
Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls.
JOSEPH forte
November 9, 2023
I KNEW HIM AT SSU, ....MY HEART IS BROKEN!!!! WHAT A GREAT GUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jono & Kelli at one of the family gatherings last spring
Robin Fritsch
December 12, 2018
Ron Wahlstrom
December 11, 2018
To Jono's family: please accept my belated condolences regarding Jono's passing. He was a truly wonderful man and friend, always smiling, joking and making the world a better place. Jono, you and Mahoney both left us way too soon, but know that you both are loved forever. RIP, Wally
loren larson
December 7, 2018
I'm gonna miss Jon the best employer and friend you could ask for. I really loved him a lot.
loren larson
December 7, 2018
I'm gonna miss Jon the best employer and friend you could ask for. I really loved him a lot.
October 9, 2018
Thank you to all the friends & family who have remembered Jono so fondly! We are grateful for the comfort you have brought to us in the loss of our beloved Brother: a man who was a great son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all. We thank you for the many expressions of love! May we carry on Jono's legacy of love, laughter, kindness to all, and making the world a little happier place! Robin Bot Fritsch
Tom Padilla
October 4, 2018
All my love and prayers to my Main Street neighbors& friends from Bot Drug. Tom Padilla from Ben's Bakery.
Carol Oltmans (Ossenfort)
September 30, 2018
Bot Family. My sincere condolences in the loss of your son, Brother, Husband, and Father.
I knew Jono as a very young boy. I babysat for the Bot children. The family was the sweetest. Im sure Jono will be greatly missed.
Dennis Aanenson
September 29, 2018
I knew Jono from a teenager. Whenever we met up it was always a great time. Always a many laughs. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss Susie and entire Bot family.
Tom and Liz Sedlacek
September 29, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bot family as they come together to remember Jono. We will always remember him for his vibrant personality and his genuine care for others. He will be remembered always.
Mary Bierkamp Johnson
September 29, 2018
Jono was a great guy all the way around and one of the most genuinely fun, funny, kind and generous folks I've met. He lit up our lives in Luverne growing up and seems to have done that every day since. My sympathy to all his family and my thanks for having had the chance to know him.
Mary Jones
September 29, 2018
I was truly fortunate to meet Jono early in my life. Even though he was from Luverne, he frequently visited Jasper as I suspect he had friends in most of the SW Minn. towns. He was such a life force! Always smiling, witty, charming as heck, supportive and loving. He drew friends to him like bees to jam. I enjoyed every encounter with him and we are all so lucky to have had him shining in our lives. Shine on Jono!
michael catalano
September 29, 2018
I never met the man personally ( saw him orchestrating , making his staff laugh and serve with passion) but I found Jono's Bar in early 90's, when I lived in Mitchell and visited SF on business several times a week. I grew to luv this place........ great beer selection... fantastic chislic, etc. But the best was no pretense, down to earth, with friendly staff. I'd eaten lunches at Lee's often and was surprised Jono's continued with the same fine food and service..... brought many clients & family to lunch there too. He ran a top-notch ( common man's ) place. SO SADLY MISSING THESE DAYS ! He's OBVIOUSLY passed WAY> WAY too young.......... I only Hope someone in his family learned and will continue his tradition........ Sorry, I didn't know he'd reopened at 26th & Syc....... MY LOSS. I also Hope that Jono is Resting In Peace. Mick C.
September 28, 2018
Sincere condolences to all the Bot families. Great memories of you as long ago next door neighbors on North Estey. So sorry for your loss.
Jane Nekali
Dwight Smedsrud
September 28, 2018
What a good man a true inspiration thanks for being in my world
Anna Shaffer
September 28, 2018
We will miss you, Jon. You have the best chicken in town. Bill & Anna
September 27, 2018
John and I would like to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother, Jono! He was loved by many and a friend to everyone....we can only imagine your sadness at this time.
We are out of town and unable to pay our respects but hope you know we are thinking of you!
John and Sheila
Kathy Antonen
September 27, 2018
So sorry for your loss. I could tell from the obituary what a great & fun guy he was.
Matt Hoiland
September 27, 2018
Jono let our ragtag band play a Saturday night at the first Jono's back in 1995. We didn't ask for any money, but after we packed the place with thirsty friends from Luverne and Sioux Falls, he paid us anyway. We had so much fun we would've done it just for the free beer. Godspeed, Jono.
Peggy Martin-Waters
September 27, 2018
Dear Bot Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Jono was always such a special boy, who became a great man. He will be missed by many, most especially his family. My love is with all of you.
Peggy Martin-Waters
tim tomshack
September 26, 2018
slim
Jeff Kellogg
September 26, 2018
He was a great guy, looked forward to seeing him at Hyvee always took time to greet you. He'll be missed. RIP
Chris Bruggeman
September 26, 2018
So sorry to hear this. Jono always has a smile on his face. I was the equivalent of a broke college kid at the time and he was just so kind. He will be missed by many. He and his family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Patti Littlefield
September 26, 2018
Jono You will always be in my heart. You were a true friend to all. I feel very lucky to have worked for you.
Steve (Ben) Dirks
September 26, 2018
What great person never a dull moment with Jono will miss him Rest In Peace Jono
Jim Hoyme
September 26, 2018
Im so sad to hear of the loss of 1 of Americas greats ... a 1 of a kind. I will always remember and admire Jono for his love of life, love of friends, love of family. Youre a SW Minnesota legend, Bro! Thanks for leaving us great memories and lots of laughs, Jono.
Randy & Kathy (Behr) Remme
September 26, 2018
Jono came into my life two times. Once when we were classmates in Luverne and then again when our paths crossed - both undergoing treatment for Multiple Myeloma. Jono had the same infectious laugh and smile that I remembered from younger years. He was a kind and caring soul who turned a bad situation into one that he just had to adjust his life for. He is no longer suffering and has gone to a better place. A good man who will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy for family and friends - May God give you strength to face the days ahead and may your memories give you peace, smiles and laughs so you are able to celebrate his life.
Heather
September 26, 2018
So sorry to hear of the loss of Jono, one of the kindest funniest people I've ever met, it was a pleasure sir, a true pleasure. God Bless Jonos family and he will be missed greatly by so many!!
Michele Hammond
September 26, 2018
So very grateful to have known you and called you friend. You were always an inspiration with you ever-present smile, your kindness and your amazingly fun loving spirit. You really did make everyone's life you touched just that much sweeter. We will miss you dearly and you will forever be remembered with a smile. I for one will think of you every time I enjoy a nice Malbec. Our Deepest Condolences to Susan and your family, May you soon find your own special way to let them know that that you are now, and always will be with them. So much love to you our friend. Fly High.
Michele & Ginger Hammond.
Jim Bierkamp
September 26, 2018
So sad to hear of Jono's passing. Jono was a great guy - always fun, positive, and happy. All my memories of Jono are fond ones. Condolences to the entire family.
Evelyn Hellman
September 26, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always. Jono, you were always the life of the party. I'm sure you will be in heaven as well. God bless
Wesley Terpening
September 26, 2018
Jono.
The one friend no matter what always made you feel accepted. What a blessing to know such person admired by everyone. You will be missed dearly.
P.S Say hi to Ron for me.
Dean Mann
September 26, 2018
I am going to miss Jono and his warm, infectious smile every time I saw him. I am so happy and grateful that he came into my life. He influenced a lot of people and made all who met him a little better for it.
My very deepest sympathy to his family and so many friends. The world has lost a very good man.
Robin Eich
September 26, 2018
Jono was a great person and will be missed by many. He touched so many with his laugh and caring personality. Thoughts and prayers to Susan and the rest of the family.
Vickie Jauert
September 26, 2018
I'm heartbroken. Of all the buddies from HS, he was the most colorful and the heart & soul of the group. Always happy...always made everyone laugh.
>
> He will be missed dearly!
Brenda and Bob
September 26, 2018
So many wonderful memories of good times at a great place ♡ You were a friend to all and your spirit will live with each of us always ♡ RIP ♡
Kevin Wikle
September 26, 2018
Always enjoyed playing golf with Jono. Rest In Peace my friend.
Jack Mitchell
September 26, 2018
One of the best. Gonna miss ya dude. See you in the afterlife.
Jerry Cozad
September 26, 2018
There was, and will only ever be one Jono.
Until we meet again my friend,
Lori Hagen
September 26, 2018
Jono was an amazing man- kind, generous, so funny. I will be forever grateful that I was fortunate enough to know him and call him my friend. The world was a better place with Jono in it and he will be missed greatly by so many.
Patti Littlefield
September 26, 2018
Jono. You will be missed dearly and never forgotten. I loved working for you. The world will be a sad place without you in it.
Angela Ellerbroek
September 26, 2018
Jono was the sweetest and always brought a smile to my face. He will be greatly missed.
Keith Cook
September 26, 2018
Jono has been my friend/brother for over 60 years. A fantastic man who had a swagger about his walk and all people drew toward him. So very sad to see him go too early but know that he is not suffering any more. Jono was all about laughter and enjoying life and that he did to the maximum. So many great times together from when we were very young to just a couple of weeks ago. Hard to find a person that had more friends than Jono. I am a much better person for having a friend like Jono in my life for so many years. To Susan and Family, our prayers and thoughts are with you during these difficult times. Sincerely, Keith and Wanda Cook
Christine Kirsch
September 26, 2018
So truly sorry... Jono was the best!!!! He will be greatly missed!!!!
Lisa Raanes
September 26, 2018
My deepest sympathies to his family. Jono was a "one of a kind" very special friend, he always lit up the room and spread sunshine everywhere he went. I will greatly miss him. GOD BLESS!
Dave
September 26, 2018
Jono was a friend and a great man...even though I didn't know him well. May the Lord's blessings fill the empty places in your hearts from knowing and loving Jono.
Starla
September 26, 2018
Jono, you will be missed dearly by everyone that has had the honor to know you. Susie an family, may God comfort you at this hard time.
Ms Mel Tibbetts
September 25, 2018
I will always remember your laugh and smile and how you could light up a room.
Thoughts and prayers to you Susie and your families.
Cam Lind
September 25, 2018
Jon was certainly one for the ages. He will be missed on the social scene in Sioux Falls.
Tim Harsh
September 25, 2018
We all lost a great friend. He would not want us to be sad, he would want us to remember him with great stories and loving thoughts. Peace be with you and yours. The world be will be a bit dimmer without your smile and laugh. Love you.
Heather Larson
September 25, 2018
Kelli & family Im so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I only met him once but he left a lasting impression with his great humor. May the Lord bless you with Peace, Comfort, & Strength during this difficult time.
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