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Richard A. Botine, 87, of Storm Lake passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at home.
Memorial services will take place Saturday, March 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements.
Richard August Botine was born May 14, 1935 in Storm Lake, the son of August and Ann (Kramer) Botine.
Richard “Dick” attended Storm Lake High School, graduating in 1953. He continued his education for two years at Dunwoody Institute of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn. In addition, Dick graduated from Iowa State Teacher’s College (UNI).
On Feb. 3, 1954, Dick was inducted into the United States Air Force. He was a pilot and worked as an intelligence officer, traveling extensively throughout Europe and Asia. He was honorably discharged in November 1957 achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.
Upon returning home, he joined his father in the family business, Botine Electric. He continued to own and operate the business serving the farm community and local industry until his retirement.
On July 9, 1961, Dick was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Wallin at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with two children, Bradley and Jonna.
Dick was active in the Storm Lake Community. He was a 50-year member of Rotary where he served in numerous leadership roles including president and receiving recognition as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was also the Ducks Unlimited area chairman, a member of the Lake Preservation Association, Elks Club and Storm Lake Jaycees. Dick was a 50-year member of the Mason Lodge, Pomegranate, Scottish Rites and Abu Bekr Shriners Consistory. He was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, serving as a board member.
Sailing was a passion of Dick’s. He was a founding member of SLOBS, also known as “Storm Lake Order of Boat Sailors.” He and his beloved Pat hosted many regattas on the south shores of Storm Lake. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, convertible sports cars and sitting on his screened in porch looking out on the splendor of the lake, his paradise. Most of all, Dick loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Dick will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory include son Brad Botine of Storm Lake; Jonna (Shane) Schuler of Catlettsburg, Ky.; grandchildren: Nathan (Lauren) and Matthew (Kaylee) Botine; Paige and Brooke Schuler; sister-in-law Elaine Botine of Okoboji; nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Botine; and brother, Roger Botine.
