Wilford F Bothe

Wilford was born on September 28, 1937 to William E. Bothe and Lina Wesemann in Hannover, Germany and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1952. He married Christel Lotte Wurster for time and all eternity on April 22, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple.

The early years in the United States were difficult for immigrants, but Wilford integrated into his new community well. His talent on the soccer pitch and his kind heart endeared him to his classmates. His keen intellect and facility for language enabled him to excel in school. Although he yearned to obtain a college education, his studies at the University of Utah were set aside to assist his father in building the family business. As in the classroom, Wilford excelled at his trade and became a true artist and craftsman. As a natural teacher, he willingly shared his knowledge and the skills of his trade with others. By his example, he taught honesty, hard work, generosity and an appreciation for quality. He leaves behind a truly rich legacy.

Wilford was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life exemplified true discipleship. He served willingly and joyfully in many capacities including a full-time mission in France/Belgium and various ward and priesthood quorum leadership roles. He was a dedicated minister who sincerely cared for those around him, especially the widows and the elderly. Following his retirement, he labored tirelessly on family history. For more than 10 years he served as a family history missionary focused on extraction of German language records and accomplished significant work for his own family and for many other families of German heritage. He remained dedicated to this sacred work to his last day on Earth and is surely continuing even now as he is reunited with so many loved ones who passed through the veil before him.

Wilford is survived by his wife, Christel, his daughter Michelle Bothe Hendriksen, his son W. Michael Bothe, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, his sister Irene Bothe Jung, several nieces and nephews and an extended family in Germany. He will be greatly missed – until we meet again.

The family would like to thank Dr. Phil Roberts for the many years of compassionate medical care and friendship that he provided dad and other members of the Bothe family. We would also like to thank the caring staff of Tender Care Hospice, especially Debbie Arnold, RN, for months of dedicated compassionate service.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held on Saturday April 24, 2021 at the Little Cottonwood 9th Ward located at: 1160 E Vine Street Murray, Utah 84121. Visitation from 1:00 – 2:00pm with Services promptly at 2pm.

Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary following the service.

Masks are recommended.