Howard Botbyl's Obituary
Howard Botbyl, age 79, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, January 25, 2007, at the Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence in Muskegon. He was born June 4, 1927, to Lawrence and Azailea (Maile) Botbyl in Grand Haven, and he married the former Phyllis Gust on July 5, 1948, in Grand Haven. She preceded him in death on February 26, 2003.
Mr. Botbyl was a life-long resident of the Tri-Cities area and had been employed as a real estate agent. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa whose concern was for his family. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, as well as a member of the Lions Club of Spring Lake, the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28, the Duane Dewey AMVets Post 1988, and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Botbyl was an avid hunter and fisherman, having spent several winter seasons in Orange Beach, AL, and he also enjoyed casinos. He was also the first custodian and the first school bus driver at St. Mary’s School.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Jan (Skip) Gilbert of Nunica and Peggy (Don Bewley) Botbyl of Traverse City; a son, David (Cara) Botbyl of Holland; 5 grandchildren: Autumn (Mike) MacFarlane of Zeeland, Kyle (Jen) Botbyl of Nunica, Chad (Rachael Cummins) Botbyl of Spring Lake, Brianne Botbyl of Spring Lake, and Stacy (Victor) Lundy of Holland; 2 great-grandchildren: Jocelyn MacFarlane and Hayden Botbyl; a brother, Marshall Botbyl of Spring Lake; loving companion, Gloria Botbyl of Grand Haven; a sister-in-law, Helen Selee of Oregon; a brother-in-law Don (Jenny) Gust of Holland; a daughter-in-law Wanda Wicke of Nunica; many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins; and special neighbors John and Michele Pitre. Mr. Botbyl was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; son, Steven Botbyl; grandson, Mike Gilbert; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters.
The funeral mass for Mr. Botbyl will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2007, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake with Rev. Leonard Sudlik as celebrant. Friends may meet the family 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, January 28, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake with a Scripture Service at 6 p.m. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Memorials to Mr. Botbyl’s family are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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