Theodore P. Botten, Jr.

Theodore Phillip Botten Jr., age 77, of Rochester, MN died on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Season's Hospice in Rochester. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am. on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Avenue SE Rochester.The visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the church and also one hour prior to the service. Everyone is welcome to attend the graveside service and burial in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN at 11:00 a.m on Thursday, July 7, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester in honor of Dr. Thomas R. Schwab or Bethel Lutheran Church. Ted was born March 24, 1939, to Evelyn and Ted Botten Sr. and was raised in south Minneapolis.Ted graduated in 1957 from Washburn High School and from Augsburg College in 1961 with a BA degree in biology and physical education.He attended Mankato State University from 1961 1963 and received a MA equivalent degree in biology.While at MSU Ted and Mary met while ice skating one cold night.They were married on June 8th, 1963 in South St. Paul, Minnesota.They lived in Annandale where Ted taught biology and coached basketball and track.In August of 1964 they moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, where Ted taught biology and coached basketball, baseball and track. Ted worked for Wilson and Company for a short time before beginning his career in the sporting goods business.He worked for Gopher Athletic Supply in Owatonna, Minnesota and lived in Rochester. In 1979, they moved to Mankato where he owned and operated Ted Bottens Key City Sports.He returned to Rochester in 1988 and continued his career with GLS Sporting Goods Company calling on schools and businesses with equipment and clothing lines. Ted retired in 2005.He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served on various committees.Hewas an usher and loved the weekly bible study.He was a member of the Rochester Quarterback Club and enjoyed many sporting events.Especially the Minnesota Gophers!In Mankato, he was a co-founder of the Mankato Area Youth Athletic Association.He was a president of the Minnesota Sporting Goods Dealers Association.He worked in the athletic goods business for 34 years. In Rochester, he volunteered at the Mayo Clinic and after retirement he worked at Hy-Vee South.He was an avid golfer, loved fishing and spectator sports, and also enjoyed skiing in his earlier years. Ted was very proud of his Norwegian heritage.He and Mary were able to travel to Norway in September of 2007 where they were able to visit Teds maternal and paternal family homesteads and farms. He loved family get togethers and watching his grandchildren grow and participate in many activities.He was very proud of his son Ted and daughter Lynn and their accomplishments. Ted and Mary celebrated 53 years of marriage on June 8th. A special thank you to Teds sister, Linda, who donated a kidney for Ted that enabled his life to continue for 15 more years. Ted is survived by his wife, Mary, son Ted (Jolene) Botten of Rockford, MN and daughter Lynn (Lee) Baldus of Dexter, MN.Grandchildren Emily, Abby, Lucas, Nick (Alysia), Mitchel (Nashia), John, Julia and Jay.Siblings, Bruce Botten of Edina, MN, Tom (Pam) Botten of Prior Lake, MN and Linda Oberpriller of Minneapolis, MN and many nieces and nephews. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com