Clifton Donald Botner

Clifton Donald Botner was born on July 16, 1920, in Garfield, Minnesota the son of Oscar and Betsy (Johnson) Botner. He was baptized and confirmed at East Moe Lutheran Church and attended country school in Moe Township. The family lived on a farm near Garfield until the late 1930’s when they moved to Alexandria. Clif served his country during World War II in the United States Army. He was in Army Company B Chemical Battalion unit enlisting in 1942 and was Honorably Discharged in 1945. After serving his country he returned home where he worked for Lund Shoe Store in Alexandria. Clif also took some business classes and worked for Singer Sewing for twenty years in service and repair. He also did work on his own. On September 4, 1948, Clifton married the love of his life and soul mate, Olivia Ellertson. After their marriage the couple built a home in Alexandria and then moved to Minneapolis for a few years before returning to Alexandria where they raised their four children on West Lake Victoria. When he wasn’t working Clif enjoyed going camping, working in his vegetable garden, and fishing. He had a real “sweet tooth” and enjoyed cookies, M & M’s, and dounuts. He loved listening to Paul Harvey and would want complete silence so he could hear “the rest of the story”. Clif will be remembered as “Grandpa” to everyone. He was a gentle soul who loved to tease and pick on anyone who could take it. He had a special love for children that will never be forgotten. Clifton passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Olivia; son, Robert (Kathy) of Alexandria, daughters: Barbara Johnson of Venice, Fl, Donna (Joe) Holte of Grygla, MN, son-in-law Tim Holte of Grygla, MN; 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marion; parents: Oscar & Betsy; son-in-law, Jon Johnson; one grandchild, one great grandchild, brothers: Palmer (Betty), William (Ann); sisters: Violet (Louie) Sticka, Olive (Ed) Braunschweig. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015, 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, 2:00 PM at East Moe Lutheran Church. Burial will be at East Moe Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net

Clifton Donald Botner

July 16, 1920 - April 24, 2015