Olivia Botner

Olivia “Ollie” Ninah (Elllertson) Botner was born November 2nd, 1926 in Benson, Minnesota the daughter of Otto and Alma (Nilson) Ellertson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. The family lived in the Starbuck area and in later years, Alexandria. During her teenage years she helped out on the family farm and also would work small jobs cleaning and doing laundry for families in the area. As a young woman her first job was at a cafe’ in Alexandria.

On September 4th, 1948 She married the love of her life and soulmate Clifton Botner and built a home in Alexandria. They moved to Minneapolis for a time before returning to their forever home on Lake Victoria in Alexandria where they raised their four children. Ollie was a homemaker until her children were all in school. She then worked cleaning cabins at Lilac Lodge resort on Lake Victoria, worked in housekeeping at Bethany home until receiving her Certification as a Nursing Assistant. She was employed by Knute Nelson in Alexandria until her retirement in 1984.

Cliff and Ollie enjoyed their retirement years by traveling to New Mexico every winter and their remaining time on the lake in Alex. She enjoyed camping, eating out for pie and coffee, gardening and baking. Most of all, Ollie loved her family and spending time with them.

After Clifton’s passing, Olivia resided at Knute Nelson Nursing home. She passed away peacefully on Friday December 20th,  2019  surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by son Robert (Kathy) Botner of Alexandria, MN , Daughters: Barbara Johnson of North Port, FL, Donna (Joe) Holte of Henning, MN; Son-in-law, Tim Holte of Grygla, MN, 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, sister Inez Jacobson of Big Lake, MN  and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by Husband Clifton; daughter, Marion; parents: Otto and Alma; son-in-law, Jon Johnson; one grandchild, one great grandchild, brothers: Elmer, Arthur (Elderene), Alfred; sister: Pearl (Orville) Kaehler.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020, 2:00 PM at East Moe Church.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Full obituary to follow