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Edward S. Bottum

Edward Bottum Obituary

Edward S. Bottum, 68, of Winnetka, a man committed to his family and community, a mentor to many and with a zest for life, died unexpectedly of cerebral hemorrhaging, Friday, May 24, in Muskegon, MI following a heart attack. Ed was Managing Partner for Chase Franklin Corporation, recently named Chairman of Underwriters Laboratories, and previously with the Continental Bank (now Bank of America), retiring as Vice Chairman. He is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Joyce Bixler; three sons, Roger (Susan), John (Dr. Jon Karakowski), and Sam (Melanie Domer), one daughter, Carroll Bottum Ritter (Robert Ritter); and four grandchildren, Hannah and Sam Bottum and Jack and Kendall Ritter. A memorial service will begin at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Avenue, Kenilworth. In lieu of flowers, donations would be most appreciated to The Rush Presbyterian Institute of Mental Well-Being, 1700 W. Van Buren Street, Room 250, Chicago, IL 60612.

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Published by Chicago Tribune from May 26 to May 28, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Bottum

23 Entries

Hans Breukhoven

April 30, 2017

Only excellent memories of, and great respect for Ed during my 16 years at Continental.

Gail Webster

June 12, 2002

My sincere sympathy to the family. Mr. Bottum was a wonderful mentor to me during my years at Continental Bank.

Edward Boss

June 5, 2002

I was so sorry to hear of Ed's death. It is another piece of the legacy of CINB that will be missing. While most as myself have gone on to new sucess, the memories linger on.

John Ryan

June 3, 2002

I am Ed's classmates at HBS. I tried to call today to congratulate Ed on his election to board chairman of UL, but I had the wrong number. Later today I received an e-mail from Jane McLagan notifying me of his sudden death. What a tragedy for his entire family. Pleasse accept these condolences from his many friends in HBS '59.

Alice Kaye

May 31, 2002

Joyce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The summers Ed spent on Uncle Sheldon's farm brought fond memories.

Blessings from

Alice (Bottum) Kaye and family

David Watkins

May 30, 2002

I feel as if I have lost someone special and important. Growing up across the street from the Bottums added to my life in intangible ways -- Mr. Bottum had a presence that was unavoidable, much as I might have tried at times to shy away when I was up to no good. I am honored to have been present for the memorial service and to listen to the heartfelt words of Sam, Carroll, John and Roger. It brought back a flood of memories and I am still sitting with them, as I'm sure I will be for some time to come. I am thankful for the friendship that Ed and Joyce nurtured with my parents and am saddened to think that Ed will no longer attend the Walnut events. Most of all, I am sad to realize that I will no longer see his big, genuine smile.

My prayers are with you as you mourn our loss.

fran johns

May 29, 2002

Ed's infectious sense of humor and warmth hovers over Pentwater. He sent an email on the 22nd describing his morning walk on the beach. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Fran Johns and Angelo Kokkino

Bruce Simons

May 29, 2002

I am deeply saddened to learn of Ed's passing. He was a warm, thoughtful, personable and caring man of principle. He touched many people and made the world a better place. What a wonderful legacy. Bruce and Fanchon Simons

Pete Trotter

May 28, 2002

Joyce,

My sincere condolences. I knew Ed mostly as the Chairman of the Ravenswood Board, but got to know him even better thanks to your help when we "roasted" him upon his retirement as Board Chairman. He was a wonderful man with a real sense of dedication to Ravenswood -- as well as to many other causes.

Pete Trotter

former Director of Marketing

Ravenswood Hospital Medical Center

Chuck Coughlin

May 28, 2002

I met Mr. Bottum only twice in his role as a member of the Ravenswood Health Care Foundation. I know however that his peers and colleagues respected him as a man of wisdom, leadership and common sense as well as a generous and thoughtful person. The health care community will miss his insight and leadership.

Margot and Jack Tukey

May 28, 2002

Ed's warm heart, generous spirit and interest in other people added so much to our lives.

Marion Sitkiewicz

May 28, 2002

I knew Ed through his many years of service on the Ravenswood Hospital Board. He could always see through to the root of the problem, express it succintly and help us work through solutions. He was a great board member and a great teacher. He will be missed.

Marion Sitkiewicz

Park Ridge, Illinois

John Flanagin

May 28, 2002

A warm and friendly man. Your family is in our prayers.

Noble Kizer

May 27, 2002

Dear Joyce,

I was so sorry to hear of Ed's passing from Jim and Nancy. Although we'd lost touch years ago you and Ed were certainly a wonderful part of my growing years.

You have my very deepest sympathy, Joyce. I know you will grieve always but it does get easier with the passage of time.

Our love, Noble and Gretchen

Neil and Diana King

May 27, 2002

Dear Joyce,

Our hearts go out to you and your family. Ed's positive and cheerful attitude made it a special pleasure to encounter him at all times. We join you and the whole community in missing him already. Please accept our sympathy.

Al Clem

May 27, 2002

Ed always had an infectious smile for everyone who worked with him. He and I knew each other for years at Continental Bank. And so when the day came for my retirement, who should show up at the little party gathering but Ed and some of his associates. They had come from some kind of other bank business of a social nature, and they all were wearing tuxedos and grinning from ear to ear. What a send-off! What a great guy! He will be missed. We send our deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.

Marilynn Johnston

May 27, 2002

I just ran into Brooke at the store and she told me her uncle had died (her uncle being Ed). I am so very sorry for your loss and so suddenly. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.Marilynn Johnston (Midge's friend)

Elisha Gray

May 27, 2002

In recent months Ed took his daily morning consitutional along Prospect Avenue and down Snake Hill. Frequently we would greet each other on the hill, but just as often Ed would pass our house before I left for work. On those occasions, he tossed up the Tribune onto our porch. One day I was leaving just as Ed came down the hill. "Don't touch that paper, Elisha," he said with a smile. "Paperboy appreciation day is coming up in a couple of days and I should be getting that paper onto your porch."

Ed is the person who sent me to work in Houston for my first assignment with Continental Bank . I didn't want to go, but it turned out he knew best. I met my wife during those first few months in Texas. Joyce, you and your children have my heartfelt sympathy.

Diane Bottum

May 26, 2002

It should be noted that Edward S. Bottum has a first-degree relative,an older sibling, Bruce C. Bottum,of Lafayette, Indiana.

Robyn Brown-Postell

May 26, 2002

We have a picture on our wall of my parents' wedding (Bob Brown and Elizabeth Sterrett) with Joyce and Ed (and I think Roger is one of the little kids in it), who introduced my parents through Dave Sterrett. We will appreciate the picture even more now.

Pete Cruikshank

May 26, 2002

Joyce, I just can't believe what happened. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will be attending a School Board reception honoring teachers Tuesday afternoon so I will miss Ed's service - I feel that is where he would want me to be.Love Pete Cruikshank

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bartlett

May 26, 2002

We send our condolences and God's healing presence to your family. My parents have enjoyed the riches of friendship with Ed over many many years. Blessings on your family.

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