December 8, 2010

Junice Botner

Funeral services for Junice Botner, 93, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Watford City, N.D., were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City.  Pastoral Assistant Rob Favorite officiated, and interment took place in the Three Forks-Trinity Cemetery, rural Watford City. Friends may sign the online register book and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.
Junice Botner passed away Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at her daughter’s  home in Las Vegas, with family surrounding her and Diane holding her hand.
Junice Marie Knutson was born May 15, 1917, to John W. and Marie (Felland) Knutson at their home near Croff, N.D. She was raised in the area and attended Joice School. Junice and her sister, Orlette, were confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church by Reverend Tollefson. As a young woman, Junice worked for a doctor in Spokane, Wash.
One of Junice’s favorite stories was of her and Orlette in the barn one night and they heard a loud noise.  They dropped their lantern and ran for dear life to the house. They were sure old man Bannon had them. As it turned out, the culprit was just Mike, their pet goat that had scared them so badly.
On Jan. 9, 1939, Junice was united in marriage to Bennie Botner at Sidney, Mont. To this union four children were born, John “Jack,” JoAnne, Sandra “Sandie,” and Diane. Together Junice and Bennie raised cattle and cared for the land.
As Bennie and Junice raised their family, they lived at the Botner place until the late 1940’s. They then lived in Idaho, Washington, and Colorado. Bennie passed away in Denver, Colo., in 1988. Junice then moved to Las Vegas to be near her granddaughter, Kim, and great-granddaughter, Kayley. She lived with her daughter, Diane and Amber until the time of her death.
Junice was an energetic person and a very hard worker. She loved to decorate her home, especially at Christmas. She also loved to sew, and had a wonderful flair for fashion. As a young girl, Junice sang at Trinity Church; she always loved music.  We remember her singing around the house, or hearing the radio playing. She had music playing at the time of her death.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Watford City. She was also a member of the Friendly Fifteen Homemakers, and was a member of the Eastern Star for 50 years.
Her greatest love was her family. She had many cousins that she remained close to throughout their lives.
Junice is survived by her daughters, Sandie (Don) Sivertson, of Watford City, N.D., and Diane Botner of Las Vegas, Nev.; two grandchildren, Kim Neukam and Amber Burris; two great-grandchildren, Kayley Neukam and Austin Neukam. Her surviving cousins are Myrtle Gray, Gladys Wisness, Mildred Wollan, and Victor Felland.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bennie; son, John “Jack” Botner; daughter, JoAnne Botner; brothers, Odin and Marvin Knutson; sister, Orlette Murray; and son-in-law, Ronald Gordon.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER