Robert Bottchen

1940 - 2025

Robert Jerry (Bob) Bottchen was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and leader. He was always ready with either a bit of wisdom, or a quick-witted joke. He gave of himself to all those around him in countless ways to lift them up and care for their needs.
Formerly of Hankinson, ND, Bob was born in St. Louis, MO to Frank Bottchen Jr. and Mary B. Bottchen. He was raised by his mother living on and off in both St. Louis and Atlanta, GA. He attended a small Christian school in his elementary years in St. Louis, later attending both junior and senior high school in Glendale, CA.
After getting his GED, Bob enlisted in the service from 1957-1960, serving in the U.S. Navy. He was in active duty, stationed in both the Bering Sea, off the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He just so happened to be in each place when they became part of the United States, which was something he was quite proud to say.
Following his time in the service, he worked as a machinist back in CA. At this time he got involved in racing. He drove his 1960 Chevy and also drove a dragster once, which remained a favorite memory for him throughout his lifetime.
In the fall of 1961, Bob met his future bride, Carol Bottchen. They were engaged in the spring of 1962 and married on November 25, 1962 in Monago, North Dakota where Carol had grown up.
They lived in Glendale, CA for two years before moving back to Monango and in 1964 moved to Hankinson, ND where they started a family, raising their three children; Kim (Bottchen) Meyer, Kevin Bottchen (Lidgerwood, ND) and Khonda (Bottchen) Eckdahl (McMinnville, OR).
Bob worked in the business world in his early years in banking and thirteen years as the owner of Bob's Our Own Hardware store in Hankinson. In the early 1980's he went to work with Aid Association for Lutherans, now Thrivent Insurance, building a successful career in sales, management and financial planning which moved him to territories in LaMoure, ND and West Fargo, ND. He loved spending time with, working with and helping people in this line of work as client, trainee and fellow employee while also building many lifelong connections and friendships, some with whom he also enjoyed the travel benefits offered through his company.
Bob was a faithful member at Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as an elder there most of his years in Hankinson. He later served in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hankinson in leadership and as a lay pastor. One of his favorite memories was working with Carol in the Lutheran Disaster Relief in 1997, serving the Sioux tribe in ND and many others in MN, SD, and upstate NY. He served on the board of directors at Dakota Estates Assisted Living community in Lidgerwood, ND in the years his mother and mother-in-law lived there.
He served many years on the city council in Hankinson, overseeing major development projects in the community and finally as a chaplain for the American Legion post.
In 2005, Bob and Carol moved to Lake Elsie, near Hankinson, where they spent fourteen wonderful years enjoying sunrises, sunsets, boating, and hosting their kids, grandkids, and other family and friends. During this season, Bob spent much time in his woodcarving shop learning new skills and making many gifts for others. He also found time for his interest in music, playing along with some jamboree style groups mostly with his harmonica, but also trying his hand at the mandolin.
In 2018, after fifty-five years in ND, Bob and his wife moved to McMinnville, OR to live with their youngest daughter and family where he made friends quickly and enjoyed writing his life story, reading, and drawing. He spent much time with family, integrating his pastimes of storytelling, carving, playing his harmonica, cooking, grilling, eating out, getting together with friends, and studying the Bible. He attended Church on the Hill Senior Adult Sunday School class during this time.
Bob moved to Brookdale Town Center in the spring of 2022 where he cared for Carol through major health problems, seeing her safely into eternity in the fall of that same year, just after their sixtieth wedding anniversary. He attended Rockpoint Church in Newberg with his daughter and son-in-law when his health allowed during this time.
In the spring of 2023, Bob answered a call to teach the word of God, something that had been a desire of his heart for many years. He started a men's Bible study which turned co-ed quickly, and also taught at the Sunday evening service open to any and all of the Brookdale residents.
Bob continued in the community playing dice, cards and weekly trivia, which was his strong suit. He persevered through major health problems in his last years with a fighting spirit, a grateful attitude and strong faith in God while continuing to serve others. He peacefully passed on to eternity on December 6, 2025 at age 85, secure in the love of his friends, family and his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He will be greatly missed and not soon forgotten!
Bob is preceded in eternity by his parents; his wife, Carol and his daughter, Kim Meyer. He is survived by his son, Kevin Bottchen; his daughter, Khonda Eckdahl; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two sisters, Marion Scarpino and Francene Guilfoy.
A memorial service in celebration of Bob's life was held at Cedarbrook Lodge (formerly Brookdale Town Center) on Sunday, December 14, 2025, officiated by Pastor Jeff Wells of Rockpoint Church, Newberg, Oregon. A family graveside to be held in Hankinson in the spring.