John C. Botkin, 88, of Marion, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5th, 2023, at the Views Senior Living Center in Marion. John was born May 30th, 1934, in Maquoketa, Iowa to Charles and Grace Botkin. He graduated from Elwood High School, class of 1951. John continued his education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. John served honorably in the United States Army from 1956 to 1957. On June 27th, 1959, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Durkop in Maquoketa. For over 30 years, John was a CPA in Cedar Rapids, working initially for Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. and later with Hogan-Hansen. John was a realtor for Skogman Realty in the latter days of his career until retirement. He enjoyed his community involvement and serving others. He was a member of the Linn Mar School Board for many years, concluding as President. John also served on the Marion Economic Development (MEDCO) Board and was a governor-appointed member of the Iowa Health Facilities Council. John had a passion for farming and enjoyed raising beef cattle on his farms in rural Marion. And if not finishing a tax return or helping deliver a calf, John could often be found playing basketball during the noon hour at the YMCA. In addition to basketball, he enjoyed playing tennis, golf, fishing trips to Canada and spending time with family and friends.
John is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Botkin of Marion, two daughters: JoAnne (Mike) Newton of Centennial, Colorado and Michelle (Jonathan) Cheinof Dallas, Texas; two sons: Gregg (Christine) Botkin of Cedar Rapids and Mark (Debbie) Botkin of Georgetown, Kentucky;nine grandchildren: Karli Newton, Maggie and William Chein, Reid and Hannah Botkin (fiancé Stefano Byer), Stephanie (Luke) Duane, Kiley (Justin) Hackman, Olivia (Zach) Witte and Jax Botkin; and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Grace Botkin, sister, Ellen Botkin, two brothers, Ed and Chuck Botkin, two brothers-in-law, Donald Durkop and Kenneth Aude and sister-in-law Susan Botkin.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 11th at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion, and the funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 12th at St. Josephs in Marion.
Memorials in John’s name may be directed to St. Josephs in Marion, Camp Courageous of Monticello, Iowa, or a charity of your choice.
The family would also like to thank the staff at the Views of Marion for their care.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Botkin, please visit our flower store.