Joan Catherine Botker

Joan Catherine Botker of Grand Chute, Wisconsin, passed into God’s loving arms on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She left this world the same way she lived, with grace, strength, and the positivity that everyone who knew her will never forget.

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, to the late Carl and Helen (Rothe) Krause. Joan loved her family and the simple things in life. She often spoke of childhood memories, giggling down the railroad tracks on the way to Badger School, neighborhood haunted house shows in Kankee’s woods, trips to Bowlby's candy shop, and family picnics with her mum’s Bake Dish in hand.

Joan worked side-by-side with her father on various adventures. Pop Stand Girl at the original Outagamie Speedway in Apple Creek, car hop at Black’s Drive-In, and bookkeeper for Carl W. Krause Excavating.

At age 13, Joan received a heart-shaped locket and a promise of forever from the boy next door. On January 26, 1963, she married that boy, Keith Botker, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Together, they moved to Killeen, Texas, where she made lifelong friends and often recalled the base cafeteria “Elvis built.” They returned to Grand Chute and enjoyed 57 years of marriage before Keith’s passing in 2020. They were blessed with two children, Dan and Jamie, whom they loved deeply.

Joan loved the warmth of the sun, gardening, painting the house, and barefoot mowing the lawn. She enjoyed baking fresh breads, apple and lemon meringue pies, and her cherished family “Bake Dish.” A true animal lover, she raised chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and her dear pony, Velvet.

In later years, she found joy in trips to Mary’s Restaurant for coffee, shopping with her daughter, scratching lottery tickets while waiting for laundry, and casino trips - always chasing that thrill. She spent many nights enjoying an ice cream treat with her sweet four-legged friend, Dixie.

Joan was genuine, beautiful, and unforgettable. She made friends wherever she went, whether at the gas station, the laundromat, or the grocery store.

She is survived by her son, Dan (Patti) Botker of Fox Crossing; her daughter, Jamie (Brandon) Giese of Fond du Lac; grandchildren, Jaedon (Emilee) Botker and Mikkiya Botker; and her four-legged companion, Dixie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; her parents, Carl and Helen Krause; her brother, Jim; and other beloved family and friends.

A private graveside service will take place at Highland Memorial Park, in the fresh air and under the open sky and sunlight she so loved.

Mom - We’ve made all the memories now. You are forever my sunshine. - Jamie