Shirley Botzet

Shirley Grace (nee Johnson) Botzet was born in Burleene Township, Todd County, MN on September 15, 1922, to Alfred and Harriet (nee Stoeckel) Johnson. Shirley attended a country school near Clotho, MN through the eighth grade. At age 14, she started working as a nanny and her love of caring for others began to show. On June 23, 1941, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, MN, Anton Botzet and Shirley were united in marriage. After their marriage, they moved to Anton’s family farm where Shirley became a homemaker - a caring and devoted wife and mother who raised their seven children; six sons and one daughter.

Even with a busy farm life and raising their children, Shirley could be found cooking in the church kitchen for funerals, weddings, and on the farm for the hired hands. No one went hungry on Shirley's watch. Shirley belonged to several groups like Christian Mothers, the Senior Citizens of Carlos, the St. Nicholas Church Choir, and a homemakers’ club. She also enjoyed trying her hand at whist with her friends at card club. A woman of many talents, Shirley possessed a creative side that enabled her to sew her own square-dancing skirts, crochet, and tube paint on fabric. Among her many interests, she also loved traveling with her husband Anton, her family, and her friends. One of her favorite trips was an excursion to Hawaii.

Shirley was steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She was selfless and a natural nurturer - always looking out for the needs of those around her. She was an example of unconditional love by being patient, non-judgemental, and forgiving. Her joy and laughter was contagious and her kind heart and thoughtfulness made those around her feel special.

Shirley passed away at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the age of 95, surrounded by family and friends. Her fondest memories were raising her children and watching her grandchildren grow. Her joyful and calming presence as well as her wisdom will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Harriet Johnson; husband, Anton Botzet; son, Kevin Botzet; brothers, Harold and Albert Johnson, Margaret Sprague, Jessie Sprague, and Arvilla Bouchie; and grandchildren, Jon Botzet, Faith Botzet, and Kortni Botzet.

Shirley is survived by sons, Darrell (Dianne) Botzet of Plymouth, MN, Gary (Diane) Botzet of Carlos, Ralph (Laura) Botzet of Hewitt, MN (formerly of Jamestown, ND), Bruce (Maria Lourdes) Botzet of Carlos, and Michael (Lori) Botzet of Frazee, MN. Daughter, Teresa (Randy) Scott of Alexandria; sister, Cora Vollmer of Cottage Grove, MN, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River.  Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Friday, June 22, 2018, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM and Rosary to follow at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.