Donald Bothe

Donald "Bud" Bothe, 89, of Port Clinton, Ohio, died Friday, October 14, 2011 at The Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. He was born on May 7, 1922, in Elmore, Ohio, a son of John & Anna (Hartman) Bothe. Bud was a 1940 graduate of the former Harris-Elmore High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre. A member of St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton, Bud was also a member of Homer D. Gardner Post #113 of the American Legion, and participated in the Honor Flight program in October of 2010. Bud was a member of the Ottawa County Geneological Society, the Moose Lodge, Port Clinton, and the Tuesday morning Woodcarvers at St. John Lutheran Church. Bud was a calibration team leader at the former Erie Proving Grounds, which closed in 1966. He then worked for General Motors in Sandusky, Ohio, until his retirement in 1985. A man of many hobbies, Bud enjoyed vegetable gardening, woodcarving, camping, fishing, and photography. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Clarabelle Long, whom he married on July 21, 1946. Also surviving are his daughters: Diane Wadsworth, Oak Harbor, Ohio, Becky Bothe, Oregon, Ohio, and Marie Bothe, Oak Harbor , Ohio; son: Brian (Jill) Bothe, Port Clinton, Ohio; grandchildren: Tony, Billy, and Ashley, and 5 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Henry, twins Clarence & Lawrence, and Edward Bothe; and sisters: Helen, Marian, and Esther. Bud's family will receive friends from 2-8pm with the family being present from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Monday October 17, 2011 at the Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton. Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church from noon until Funeral Services at 1pm. Reverend James Lehman will officiate. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Port Clinton with members of the American Legion Post #113 conducting military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness (Retinitis Pigmentosa ), Honor Flight of NW Ohio, or to the Cherry Street Mission, Toledo.