Geraldine A. Botner, 83, of Des Moines, Iowa formerly of Watford City, ND passed away on March 19, 2017 at The Village at Legacy Pointe in Waukee, IA due to complications of a stroke.

Gerry was born on August 27, 1933 in Rugby, ND to Elmer and Ida Everson Botner. Gerry’s parents waited a long time for her arrival and she was their only child. Although Gerry was an only child she was very close to her cousins, especially Avonne and Oscar as they were only children in their families, too.

Gerry lived in the North Fork area of McKenzie County until she and her parents moved to Watford City so she could attend school. As a child, Gerry excelled at academics and was very limber, eventually becoming a cheerleader in high school. Gerry was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and her faith was very important to her throughout her life.

Gerry graduated from Watford City High School in 1951 and was co-valedictorian of her class. She attended the University of North Dakota Extension in Williston, ND to study business. After high school, Gerry worked at several jobs but really started her career in the oil and gas industry when she went to work for Tenneco Oil Company in Denver, CO in 1965. She started as a secretary in the Properties Department and worked her way up to Division Properties Supervisor. After working in that capacity for a while, Gerry became a Division Properties Consultant in Oklahoma City, OK. Tenneco Oil Company was sold in 1988 so Gerry retired in 1989 and moved to West Des Moines, IA. In 1993, Gerry moved to Mesa, AZ to enjoy year-round sunshine.

Gerry was a good cook and conversationalist who enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She was an avid reader, an excellent bridge player and enjoyed the challenge of a daily crossword puzzle or two. Gerry liked flowers, gardening and working in her yard.

A life-long animal-lover, Gerry showered her pets with love and affection and greatly enjoyed the companionship of Honey, Happy, Harvey, Rags, Jake I and Jake II throughout the years.

In her spare time, Gerry liked to crochet afghans and she gifted much of her beautiful handiwork to family and friends who enjoyed them immensely. Gerry was also a huge sports fan who followed the various college and professional teams of the states in which she lived.

Gerry was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was delighted to travel to Norway in 1996. There, she met relatives on both sides of her family and visited various sites and locations connected to her ancestors. During that trip, Gerry also toured Paris and London.

In 2001 Gerry met Martha Lundin, the daughter she gave up for adoption in 1963. Gerry and Martha enjoyed a close and loving relationship until Gerry’s passing.

Predeceased by her parents, Gerry is survived by her daughter Martha Lundin (Steve Frey) of Waukesha, WI and her paternal cousins: Avonne (Einar) Dahl of West Des Moines, IA; Oscar Swenson of Mound, MN; Sandi (Don) Sivertson of Watford City, ND; and Diane Botner of Las Vegas, NV. Special thanks to Leslie Dahl Knudson and her husband Greg for taking care of Gerry’s medical, financial and legal affairs for the past three years.

Memorial Contribution