L.D. “Red” Bothne, 89, of Humboldt, passed away August 16, 2014 at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Fr. James Tigges, will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Humboldt. Interment will be in Indian Mound Cemetery, Humboldt. Visitation is from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Church. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home of Humboldt is in charge of arrangements.
Red was born on the family farm outside of Bode, Iowa on July 4, 1925 the only child born to Asle O. and Sylvia (Dahle) Bothne. After graduation from Bode High School in 1943, he worked as a truck driver and farmer until 1951. He then began a career in agri-sales from 1951 to 1961 while continuing to farm. The family moved to Spencer, Iowa in 1961 where he was involved in animal health sales with Welco Feeds, then with Rath Packing Company. The family moved back to Humboldt in 1965 where he continued in animal health sales with Anchor Serum and Syntex Laboratories until 1975 when he returned to farming until his retirement.
He was united in marriage to Harriett Hanna on December 1, 1952 and they had four daughters and a son. Red is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Harriett Bothne of Humboldt; his children, Barbara (Dyle) Erickson of Humboldt, Cheryl (Frank) Binger of Bozeman, MT, Bruce (Chris) Bothne of rural Bode, Laurie (Bob) Borland of West Branch, and Julie Bothne-Maggard of Gilmore City. He has 10 grandchildren, Shawn (Jess) Erickson-Welter of Ottosen, Wendy (Jim) Erickson-Vitzthum of Sterling, VA, Lucy (David) Blocker-Dahl of Pierre, SD, Patrick Blocker of Humboldt, Hannah and Carrson Bothne of rural Bode, Ashley (Travis) Borland-Kaalberg of West Liberty, Destiny (Josh) Borland-Moon of Iowa City, and Cody and Tyler Maggard of Gilmore City and 12 great grandchildren who were the light of his life. He was always ready for their hugs and never tired of teasing them. Red was always quite the handy man and there was nothing he couldn’t fix with a little imagination and a few tools. If you gave him a project, he might grumble, but once he was on it, there was no stopping him until he figured out how to get it done.
He loved touring Humboldt in his red pickup and was always interested in the changes taking place around town.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.