Michael Bottorff

Mike Bottorff, age 55, of Brainerd, died with his family by his side on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, Brainerd. Friends and family are welcome to gather for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Mike was born in Minneapolis. For his first years he lived in Dayton, MN, later moving to Brainerd where he grew up on Rice Lake. Mike loved cars, fixing everything, and working at his parents’ shop, Northland Bait and Tackle. At the age of 16, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia that he battled for nearly six years, during which time he graduated from Brainerd High School. He enjoyed working at Red Owl and Mickey’s Pizza. Despite a life-threatening car accident and a horrible motorcycle accident, Mike went on to marry Betty Herman and fathered Michael Bottorff II. Mike gave his whole heart to anyone he met. He volunteered his time at The Breath of Life, he brought a smile to those in need. Two years ago, he became a grandfather to a beautiful baby girl and was so proud of his son and daughter-in-law. After a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Mike remained a fighter for life and his faith grew even stronger.

Mike is survived by his father, David G. Bottorff; step-mother, Penny Bottorff, of Baxter; son, Michael (Tanya) Bottorff II; granddaughter, Diana Bottorff, of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters, Patty (Dick) Perreault, of Harris, Kat (Adam Mattsson) Carroll, of Gothenburg, Sweden; step-siblings, Forrest Anderson, of Tijeras, NM, Cara Jo (Rob) Schmidt, of St. Joseph; nieces, Kelsey Nelson, Breanna Anderson; nephews, Taylor Perreault, Odin Anderson, Mica and Cortez Anderson.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Bottorff; grandparents; step-brother, Trevor Anderson; aunts and uncles; and his beloved dog, Pudgy.

Memorials are preferred to the family.

Arrangements have been completed by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd.

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