Cecil E. Bottjen

Cecil E. Bottjen, 87, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City.

Per Cecil’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a memorial service was held on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Sioux City, Iowa, with Pastor Russell Senstad officiating.   

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of North Iowa or Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Sioux City.

Cecil was born on June 24, 1928, the son of George and Minnie (Burow) Bottjen in Moville, Iowa.  He married Inez Schwarz on June 18, 1950, in Climbing Hill, Iowa.

Valedictorian of the Class of 1945 at Moville High School, Cecil attended Morningside College.  He farmed for eight years before moving to Sioux City, and thereafter worked in banking, retiring as Senior Vice President at First Federal Savings and Loan, in Sioux City.

While living in Sioux City, Cecil was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Kiwanis, Red Cross, Better Business Bureau, and director at St. Luke’s Hospital.  He was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church, in Clear Lake, for a short time.

Cecil enjoyed going on fishing trips to Canada, gardening, and traveling with Inez to Florida for 25 years.  He also liked playing card games, such as Rook and Euchre, and quoting German phrases.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Inez Bottjen, of Clear Lake; three sons, Dennis (Sandra) Bottjen, of Forest Lake, Minn., Larry Bottjen (Julie Wolter), of Palmer, Ark., and Burt (Kathy) Bottjen, of Clear Lake; 10 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Clara Rumohr and Edna Rumohr; and six brothers, Harry, Albert, Carl, Elzie, George, and John.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.