Henry Botz

Henry Nick Botz, Sr., age 76, of Backus, passed away February 7, 2009, at his home. He was born August 1, 1932, in Atwater, MN, to John and Mary (Large) Botz. He traveled from Atwater to Backus by covered wagon at age 2 and lived in McKinley Township, rural Backus for 73 years. He worked in a sawmill and later as a farmer and logger. Henry was confirmed and baptized at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1952 to 1963 in Korean conflict and also in Germany. He married Jane Jeanette Gard on March 18, 1959 in Oklahoma City.
Henry was a life member of American Legion Post 49, Pequot Lakes and was past sergeant at arms. He was also a life member of the Post 49 S.A.L. where he was past sergeant at arms, chaplain, historian, commander, and current chaplain. He was a life member of VFW Post 3839 in Jenkins and DAV Chapter 38 in Park Rapids where he was past first vice president and current commander.
Henry is survived by his wife, Jane of Backus; daughters: Alice Botz and Nina Hedstrom (Sandy) both of Backus; grandchildren: Micheal Hedstrom (Lynn), Chynna Hedstrom, Kirsten Hedstrom; step-grandchild, Dawn Green; great grandchild, Autumn; three step-great grandchildren; and his favorite niece, Terri.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Henry Nick Botz, Jr.; and brother, Bill.
Services will be 11am Thursday, February 12 at Pequot Lakes Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Bethlehem Cemetery rural Backus.