Esther (Ripp) Botting

Esther (Ripp) Botting passed away on September 10, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald E. Botting; parents, Tony and Anna (Laufenberg) Ripp; and her in-laws, Harry and Edith (Foley) Botting and Dick and Marian (Botting) Dembny.

Esther is survived by her children, Sue (Greg) Keller of St. Louis Park, MN, Don Botting of Duluth, GA; six grandchildren, Shannon (Tim) Lind, Tony (Sara) Keller, Jason (Samantha) Keller, Jack Botting, Mary (David) Turner and Molly Botting; four nieces and nephews, Kevin, Rita and Tom Dembny, Lori Lipsky.

Mom was from Middleton, WI. Though she was an only child, she had strong relationships with over 60 first cousins. She was proud to be part of such a large clan and, from the stories she told, it sounds like there was plenty of laughter and good, clean fun. She maintained contact with them and other long-time friends throughout her life. We are thankful for their friendship today.

In the mid-1950s, Mom took a job in South Milwaukee, WI. It was at the local post office where she caught the eye of a postal clerk named Donald Botting. She tried to avoid his window, but eventually she agreed to go out with him. After a hilariously horrible first date, he wrote her a lovely letter of apology, asking her to give him a chance to make it up to her. He succeeded, and they were married in May of 1957.

Sadly, Dad died of a cerebral hemorrhage in July of 1959, leaving her with two babies to raise on her own. She moved back to Middleton to get help from her parents. She often remarked that she didn't know what she would have done without them. We appreciate the effort she made to make sure we met and spent time with Dad's immediate and extended family.

In the early years, Mom took in typing jobs to help make ends meet. As we grew older, she would work at part-time and seasonal jobs until we were in middle school. She worked for the City of Middleton for several years and retired from the State of Wisconsin in 1994. We are grateful for the sacrifices she made during those lean years.

The time came when Mom wanted to be closer to Sue, so she moved first to Hudson, WI, and then to Crystal, MN. Mom made friends easily, so while difficult to leave home, she found ways to keep busy with her new companions. She shared many Sunday dinners and card games with the grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow. Don would bring his children to visit frequently, and Esther looked forward to those special times. She lived independently until 18 months ago, and, though it was very challenging, she accepted this change well, and her caregivers were kind and respectful.

By example, Mom taught us how to live with grace, charm, grit and a sense of humor. Her unshakeable Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Her prayers got us through the tough times. We will honor her memory to the best of our ability.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Tuesday. A graveside service will be held at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Cudahy, Wis., where her husband is buried, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022.