Vincent Edward Bot was born February 26, 1936 to Charles and Elizabeth (Brewers) Bot. He passed away on February 6, 2017 at the age of 80 surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Prairie Home Hospice.
Vin was baptized and confirmed at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, MN. As a youngster he attended school at St. Eloi Catholic School. Vin graduated from Lynd High School in 1953. His family were dairy farmers south of Ghent. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army. He spent ten weeks basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas., four months at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and eighteen months as a radio operator in Korea. He served during peace time in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1957.
In 1957, Vin furthered his education at NW TV/Electronics and was employed by Honeywell. In the spring of 1960, Vin began farming. He married Judy Hennen at 9:00 am on July 2, 1960, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Minneota. Vin and Judy were blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren.
Vin was a quiet, thoughtful and considerate man, always putting faith and family as priorities in his life. He put his trust in the Lord to guide him on his life’s journey. He was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church serving as a lector, usher and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. Vin served twelve years on the school board in Minneota. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed playing baseball, football and basketball for many years. He enjoyed watching the Twins and Vikings, but his favorite pastime was attending his children’s and, subsequently, grandchildren’s musical and athletic events. They all knew that dad/grandpa was their biggest fan who supported them unconditionally.
Vin (Grandpa) had the patience of Job as he took on the task of teaching his children and grandchildren how to fix things, whether it be a flat tire, mending fences, repairing machinery or appliances of any kind. He also taught them how to catch/clean fish and all the rules and regulations of operating a boat. In the later years, the grandchildren took him fishing.
Vin’s favorite pastimes were fishing, playing any card game, especially bridge or bien, and Rolle Bolle. Vin especially enjoyed these while spending quality time with family, friends, and most definitely grandchildren. Vin and Judy were members of the Jolly Mixers Square Dance Club for many years enjoying do-si doing and yellow rocking.
Vincent was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Pam Haukom; his parents, Charles and Elizabeth; brothers, Bernard and Norbert (infancy); sister, Emerence; brothers-in-law Rolland Derynck and Robert Determan and sister-in-law Phyllis Bot.
Vin was survived by Judy, his loving wife of 56 years; children Bruce (Juanita) Bot, Minneota; Jennifer (Jim) Bestgen, Rochester; Marc (Rhonda) Bot, Alexandria, son-in-law Jeff Haukom of Marshall; Twelve grandchildren, Nicholas (Jamy) Haukom; Kirsten (Brad) Verly; Nathan, Craig and Brenton Haukom; Amanda, Charles, Emily, Lee and Joshua Bot; Timothy and Todd Bestgen, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to St. Edward Catholic School, Birthright or Hospice.
