Lynn Edward Botka

1945 - 2024

Lynn Edward Botka
Born: July 16, 1945
Died: October 31, 2024
Lynn Edward Martin Botka, born on July 16, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, departed this earthly journey for eternal reward with his Lord on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
There to welcome Lynn were his always remembered family and friends: parents Ida (Koshak) and Edward Coleman Botka; brothers Richard and Mark; grandparents Rose (Lobemeier) and Joe Koshak; aunts and uncles Lila Boles (Richard), Betty Wiater (Donnie), Robert Koshak, Joe Botka (Teresa), Helen Dranchak (Mike), Kathryn Srygler (Edward); his mother-in-law and father-in-law Dorothy (Wheeler) and Marion Lis; and grandchild Lee Botka. Also, dear friends Michael Pauly and Jerry Pekar.
Surviving Lynn are many beloved family members and friends: his wife of nearly 60 years, Judith Lis Botka; sons Thomas (Lori), Timothy (Amy), Jason (Jennifer); brother Charles (Resa); sisters-in-law Cindy Barnes (Gary, deceased), Barbara Bracken (Bill), Kate Botka (Mark, deceased); grandchildren Keegan (Anna), Kameron (Jordan), Konnor, Kolby, Tessa (Dane), Grace; great-grandson Callen Procarione; aunt Alice Shudarek (Erv); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren. Also, dear friends Pat and Fred Chojnacki, Tommie and Bob Magolan, Paula and Larry Leonard.
Lynn's schooling included St. Dennis grade school, Lockport Central High School and Joliet Junior College plus many specialized workshops and seminars throughout his very successful sales career. Lynn was charismatic and caring, and customers sought him out for his excellent service and efforts, especially his three successful auto parts stores.
While he enjoyed travel, Lynn seemed most happy with the trips to the Northwoods of Wisconsin and sharing time there with relatives and friends.
His hobby was unusual for a Midwesterner… raising cacti. Lynn often used them to initiate conversations and to build and deepen friendships. His first cactus was a gift from his mother and throughout his adult life, he gave away hundreds of cacti produced from that very first one to family, friends and acquaintances.
Lynn's deep belief in his Catholic faith led him through life's hills and valleys and he shared that faith with many along the way. He was always reaching out to others, encouraging them and helping wherever he could. He had a great gift of listening to others and trying to gently draw them to the faith he loved so much by sharing his knowledge, time, humor and kindness.
Lynn will be greatly missed by so many… a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, godfather, guide and friend.
A celebration of Lynn's life will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Tezak Funeral Home,1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Prayers will be held in the funeral home chapel at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024 followed by a procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville.