Karin Elaine Bottem

Karin Bottem, age 81, was surrounded by her family when she was called home to be with The Lord on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A visitation will be held Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Albion Lutheran Church. Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:00 am at Albion Lutheran Church in rural St. James. Interment will be held at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Karin Elaine Fastenau was born April 22, 1943, to William and Emma (DeWall) Fastenau. She was the middle of 5 children. Karin was baptized in Christ and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James, MN. She graduated from St. James High School in 1961. On August 29, 1965, she married Dennis Bottem at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and they later had four children. They established their home in rural St. James, on the Bottem family farm, where she and Dennis built their life together and raised their children in the Christian faith. After Dennis passed away in 2002, Karin continued to preserve and maintain the family farm.

Over the years, she served on many boards in the community, an active member at Albion Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Minnesota State & National Cattlemen’s Association. She loved to sing and was passionate about music. She directed the adult and junior choirs at church and sang with the Bible Folk Singers, performing worship services around southern Minnesota.

Karin fervently loved her family and friends. When she spoke about her family, especially her grandchildren and new great-grandson, she would visibly perk up and glow from the inside out. Her family was the center of her world. In everyday life, she was incredibly kind-hearted and would help anyone without hesitation.  Her laugh was contagious, and she was known for her great hugs. She enjoyed bingo night in St. James, hosting large family holidays, traveling to see family and friends, working on puzzles, watching Westerns, and reading. Karin lived her life to the fullest, and she adored those in it.

Karin is survived by her children, Kay (Tom) Stenzel, Lee (Robyn) Bottem, Ann (Dan) Hajek, and Lyn (Kasey) Helling; grandchildren, Brady Stenzel, Reagan (Cydney) Stenzel, Peyton (Joey) Wehrkamp, Dex and Theo Hajek, Hunter, Taryn, Alyssa, and Gunnar Helling; great grandson, August Stenzel; sister, Janice (LeRoy) Hamilton; brother, Norman (Sue) Fastenau; and nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Karin was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; parents, Bill and Emma Fastenau; sister, and brother-in-law, Jack and Marlene Ulrich; brother, Ron Fastenau; and in-laws, Theodore and Anna Bottem.