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RICHARD BOTHE

RICHARD BOTHE

Richard “Dick” Bothe, 76, of Fort Dodge passed away on Wednes­day, Oct­ober 12, 2022, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge. A Cele­bration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 17, 2022, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. Burial will follow at North Lawn Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1856 and Iowa Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM on Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Dick is survived by his wife, Janel; his children Amanda (Jared) Connell of China Grove, North Carolina, Ericka (Cory) Caldwell of Ft. Dodge, Jason (Jenn) Fuller of Bondurant; grandchildren Bailey, Alexis, Gracie, Cale, Brynn, Ainsley, Nora, and Elliott; and brother Jim Bothe.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mildred (Telschaw) Bothe; daughter, Brigette, and a brother, David.

Richard “Dick” Frederic Bothe was born August 9, 1946, in Fort Dodge. He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1964. Dick was drafted into the United States Army and served with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Artillery in Chu Lai, Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Mankato State graduating in 1972. He worked with Mutual Insurance retiring as VP with Heartland Mutual Insurance in 2012. In addition, Dick was proud to carry on the family’s Century Farm west of Ft. Dodge.

Dick married Mary Beth Lawler in 1971, they later divorced. He married Janel Birmingham in 1993.

Dick was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. He ensured he passed that faith to his children and their families. Dick was also a Douglas Township Trustee and served on the St. Paul Lutheran School Board. Additionally, he was a long-time member of the Noon Sertoma Service Club and a member of the VFW.

Dick was a fan of everything Iowa State athletics. He had a sense of humor that was not lost on his family. One of Dick’s greatest joys was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to St. Paul Lutheran School or Lutheran Family Services.