Flora J. (Kruschke) Bottensek

Flora J. Bottensek, age 93, lived a full and adventurous life until she passed away on August 4, 2023, in Wisconsin Rapids. She was born in Underhill, WI, to Lloyd and Audrey Kruschke, on December 26, 1929.

She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Lee Bottensek, and three daughters: Pamela Hargrove, Lori Biesecker, and Susan (Tim) Crotteau. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Kimberly, Dustin (Jayme), Sara, Andy, and Abby, as well as a great-grandson, Jacob. She is also survived by three children gained through marriage: Tom (Sharon) Bottensek, Leanne (Doug) Jeffrey, John (Rose) Bottensek, and their children and grandchildren. Other survivors include two brothers, Doug and Wayne, and two sisters, Beverly and JoAnn.

She was preceded in death by her son Bobby, and her sons-in-law, Dave and Russ, as well as her parents and five siblings: Dennis, Betz, Karen, Dale, and Pete.

Flora married Robert L Shaw in 1951 and moved to Wisconsin Rapids with her family in 1961. Flora and Bob divorced, and she went on to live a very independent and active life. After many years, she was introduced to Lee Bottensek on a blind date. They married in 2006 and had 16 years of adventures together.

During her 93 years on Earth, she made lifelong friends through traveling, playing bridge, volunteering for many organizations, and being a member of the Central Wisconsin Model A Club. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and was fortunate enough to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans when the Packers won. She developed and ran the annual family Packer Pool right up until the end.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 18th, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Robert L Shaw, Jr Memorial Scholarship" through the Incourage Community Funds of Wisconsin Rapids or to the Lowell Senior Center of Wisconsin Rapids to enhance their programs for seniors.

Flora would want us to celebrate her life with joy and wear colors that reflect the brightness she brought into our lives.

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