Thomas Ford Botten

Thomas Ford Botten, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family. He will be remembered for his Norwegian heritage, love of conversation, steadfast loyalty, and strong character and integrity. Above all, Tom adored his wife of 56 years and treasured his family.
Tom was born on August 17, 1947 and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was a proud graduate of Washburn High School and went on to attend Augsburg College, where he pursued a degree in Business Administration.
His professional journey began as an auditor at Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell in Edina, where he earned his CPA certification. His dedication and expertise led him to transition to one of his clients, Plastech Corporation in Rush City. He later went on to be an Executive and President at Mid-Continent Cabinetry, PrimeWood Inc, Woodcraft Industries, and ended his career at Miller Manufacturing.
Beyond his impressive career, Tom was an avid fisherman, a passion that started in his childhood years fishing on Lake Nokomis and frequent day trips with his dad. Once older, he loved planning multiple summer trips to Canada with lifelong friends and family. He cherished his time most at Lac De Mille Lacs and Radio Lake, sacred walleye and northern spots he traveled to annually for over 45 years.
In his retirement, Tom was also an avid bridge player, who had been playing 2-3 games regularly each week and even traveling for tournaments. He was very proud of his Silver Life Master status and found so much joy in playing with his regular partners.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Botten of Prior Lake, MN; his devoted children, Anna (Chris) of Wayzata, MN and Adam (Jill) of Heber City, UT; and his cherished grandchildren, Petra Lyon, Blake Botten, and Lindsay Botten. He also leaves behind his siblings, Linda Botten Oberpriller and Bruce Botten; and sister-in-law Mary Botten and brother-in-law Skip Wolf. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ted Botten (Jolene), Lynne Botten Baldus (Lee), Elizabeth Mura, Daniel Oberpriller, Elliot Botten (Tanya), and Chloe Botten; cousins, Carolyn Evenson Leopold (Howard), Jeff Evenson (Carol), and Lisa Evenson Nyhusmoen (Jim); along with many more special cousins from the Botten farmstead in Hanska, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his brother, Theodore Botten Jr.
Following a private interment at Lakewood Cemetery, a Celebration of Life for Tom will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 1 PM, with visitation half an hour prior, at the Lakewood Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Reception immediately following at the Lakewood Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations are kindly requested to be directed to Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, Minnesota or Children's Home Society in Minneapolis, Minnesota.