Howard Irvin Bottolfson was born at home in Alden Township of Polk County, Wisconsin the son of Oscar and Florence (Gibson) Bottolfson. He was baptized and confirmed at the West Immanuel Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member there. He served in the United States Army during World War II being discharged on December 31 of 1945. He returned home and in November of 1946 was united in marriage to Gloria Ann Johnson and together they had four children. He started farming in the early 1960's, but also worked at the Doughboy Feed Mill in New Richmond for 31 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when time allowed, and in his later years he became an avid reader. He also served as caretaker of the West Immanuel Cemetery for 12 years. He has suffered with declining health for several years. With the help of family and hospice care he was able to remain at home where he died peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the age of 89 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Russell, George, Curt, LeRoy and Richard, sister Alice Brisson; grandsons: Jeremy Bottolfson and Chad Bottolfson; and daughter-in-law: Dawn Bottolfson. Surviving family members include: his wife of 65 years Gloria; children: Wayne (Linda) Bottolfson, Donald (Barb) Bottolfson, Rebecca Larson, and Brian (SueAnn) Bottolfson; one brother Orlo Bottolfson; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at West Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Osceola. Interment will be at the West Immanuel Cemetery. There will be a visiting time for the hour prior to the service at the church.