Madeline Botz

Madeline Gunderson Botz, age 93, passed away on January 11, 2014 at Torrance Medical Center from complications following a stroke. She was born February 26, 1920 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to George M. Gunderson and Anna (Sollem) Gunderson. Madeline was a high school athlete and avid reader. She completed teachers college in Minnesota and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. With the onset of World War II, Madeline joined the United States Navy and was stationed at Balboa Naval Hospital where she met her husband, a pharmacist, also stationed in San Diego. Hanns and Madeline were married on March 28, 1944 at First Lutheran Church in San Diego (she was able to attend the 125th anniversary of First Lutheran this past year meeting ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson, a highlight of her religious life).

In addition to being a teacher and a homemaker, Madeline had a love of fiber arts and was a trained clothing designer and patternmaker. She created the costumes for various theatrical productions in which her daughters were involved. She later did workshops for her American Sewing Guild chapter.

Baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran, Madeline has been a faithful member of Lutheran churches in Minnesota and California for her entire life--among other roles, she served as a Sunday School teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, member of church choirs, Councils, Christian Education, and Worship and Music committees. She prepared countless meals for Luther Leaguers and other church youth groups as well as serving on church hospitality committees. She was active member of Lutheran women's circles. As a former teacher, she enjoyed making Lutheran World Relief school bags and filling them with school supplies.

In 1983, upon her retirement, Madeline moved to San Diego from Granada Hills, California where she and Hanns had raised their family. She was a member of Lemon Grove Lutheran Church and then became a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in 2002. As her pastor, Pr. Dan Roschke wrote, “Madeline was a faithful participant in our weekly worship and Tuesday morning Bible Study group, where she studied diligently right up to her final days. And she was a very wise friend to everyone. She always had a smile, and a kind word. And we will miss her dearly.”

Madeline’s husband preceded her in death in 1973. She is survived by three of her 12 siblings, Dorothy Gunderson Sagaser, Verna Gunderson Bullinger, Vernon Gunderson, her five children, Anna Therese Botz, Ed.D. (Brad Monroe), Mary Madeline Botz, CP, Hanns Michael (Keiko), Botz, Ed.D., Michele Botz, M.A., Mia Johanna Botz, M.A.; eleven grandchildren, John Michael Cannon, Jason Matthew (Amber) Cannon, Hanns Matthew (Edralyn) Botz, III, Peter Michael (Courtney) Botz, Richard Daniel Anderson, Emily Michele Anderson, Sarah Lane Anderson, Marta Madeline Monroe, Maren Madalyn Botz-Zapp, James Andrew Botz-Zapp, Christian Alan Botz-Zapp; three great grandchildren, Taylor MacKenzie Cannon, Callista Raga Botz, Hanns Maddox Botz, IV, and many nieces and nephews. In Madeline’s own words “My greatest pride is my family, most especially my exceptional, loving and wonderful grandchildren. I count my family as my greatest personal achievement.”

Madeline will be buried, along side her husband, at Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth California. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up in Madeline’s name at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, California 91941-7305.

Arrangements under the direction of Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, Torrance, CA.