Donald Paul Bothun

Donald "Don" P. Bothun, 84, Grand Forks, N.D., formerly of The Villages, Fla., and East Grand Forks, Minn., passed away Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. Donald Paul Bothun was born Sept. 14, 1927, in Madison, Minn., the son of Peter and Olga (Fundingsland) Bothun. Following his father's death, he moved with his mother and older sister, Dorothy (Lemen), to Grand Forks, where he attended Central High School. After he was medically discharged from serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Grand Forks - first to drive oil truck from Grand Forks to Williston, N.D. He later embarked on a sales career that included the Home of Economy in Grand Forks, KLME Radio, Laramie, Wyo., KRAD Radio (later KRRK Radio, East Grand Forks) and The Dakota Bank, Grand Forks. He and his wife owned and operated the Point Liquor Store from 1985 to 1989, before retiring to Florida. It was on one of his Williston oil trips that he met the love of his life, Laurayne Kennedy of Minto, N.D. They were married July 8, 1961 and raised four children: Peter (Lisa), White Bear Lake, Minn.; Dr. Paul (Lori), Grand Forks; Patrick (Kathy) Oclawaha, Fla. and Becky (Greg) Funston, Boise, Idaho. Both Don and Laurayne were community-minded. While living in East Grand Forks, Don was a member of the VFW, the American Legion Club and the Senior High School Boosters. He served on the East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority. He also volunteered his time to coach, walk dikes and sandbag during flood season. He always looked forward to the holidays and his yearly broadcast as Santa's helper to the children of the community. Don's first love was his family, followed by softball, racquetball, golf and visits to the lake for water-skiing and fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Laurayne, his parents, a sister, an infant brother and four brothers-in-law. He is survived by his children, 16 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family. A memorial will be established in his name toward Alzheimer's research. Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25, in Holy Family Catholic Church, 1018 18th Ave., Grand Forks. Visitation: One hour prior to the funeral mass at the church. Private Internment: St. Patrick's Cemetery, Minto, N.D.