John J. Bottema

John J. Bottema, 85, of Eldora, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Valley View in Eldora. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Woodley Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iowa Falls is caring for John and his family.

John James Bottema Jr. was born on August 25, 1935 to John and Florence (Lubbert) Bottema. He was united in marriage to Betty (Crosser) Bottema on December 27, 1958. John and Betty resided around the Union-Whitten area. John was enlisted in the Army from 1958 to 1960 and was deployed to Germany as a lineman. He was honorably discharged. John received the Quilt of Valor on August 28, 2018. He was very honored to receive this with his friends and family around him. John worked as a farmhand for most of his life. He worked for Dale Vinton, Davison Brothers, Eagle Feeds, Jim Castor, Floyd Schwark, Al Johnson, Larry Norman and Ron Galloway.

John enjoyed playing card games such as pepper and five hundred when he spent time with friends and family. He loved talking about farming, tractors, specifically Farmall, which was his favorite. John enjoyed the simple things in life, such as visiting with loved ones and enjoying coffee and a snack. He loved any cake, pie or cookies. John had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes and stories that would make everyone laugh. His humor was infectious. When John had spare time, he enjoyed campfires, picnics and watching sports such as basketball, football, and baseball. John was loved by many, and he will be missed.

John Bottema is survived by his brothers, Robert (Linda) Bottema of Le Grand, Iowa and Lawrence Bottema of Eldora, Iowa; sisters, Dorothy (Clyde) Davidson of Eldora, Iowa, Ester (Darrell) Ankrum of Marshalltown, Iowa, Delores (Darwin) Buzzell of Boone, Iowa and Virina (Ron) Eason of Iowa Falls, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca; his parents; brother, Jake Bottema and two sisters, Etta Moats and Millie Nuendorff.

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