John E. Bottger III

John E. Bottger, III, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 70, in Kokomo, Indiana. He was born on October 31, 1955, in Madison, Wisconsin, to parents J. Edward and Barbara Bottger.

John grew up in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and graduated from Whitnall High School, Greenfield, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, he moved with his family to Goleta, California, and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara where he earned a BA degree in Economics. While attending UCSB John was initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He attended Bible studies sponsored by Campus Advance for Christ, a ministry of the Turnpike Road Church of Christ. On May 4, 1978, he was baptized into Christ in the Pacific Ocean. Living out his faith, John was an active member of the church and the campus ministry in Santa Barbara. 

John met Wanda Easterwood through Campus Advance for Christ in May 1978 and married her in 1982 in Santa Barbara. In 1986, they adopted a baby girl, Heather Anne. After graduating from UCSB, he worked as a mechanic. He applied to Delco Systems Operations in Goleta and completed a four-year apprenticeship in 1986 to become a Journeyman Experimental Machinist, showcasing his meticulous skills and dedication to his craft.

In 1993, John moved his family to Kokomo, Indiana. After completing an apprenticeship program through Delco, he become a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. He also received training to become a Dimensional Metrologist.  He was always wanting to learn new skills and earned an HVAC Technical Certificate and completed courses in Welding from Ivy Tech.

A devout member of the Center Road Church of Christ in Kokomo, John actively enjoyed meeting with friends in Bible studies, life groups and other activities. His faith played a significant role in his life and provided him with a community of support and friendship.

John had a passion for working with his hands, restoring antique clocks, working on cars, rebuilding engines, as well as metalworking and woodworking. While still in California, John and his dad restored his Model A Ford which was later shipped to Kokomo.

John’s other passion was being a grandfather and spending time with Wes, his grandson. They went for walks in the neighborhood as well as going to the park and to car shows. Grandpa liked whatever Wes liked.

John is survived by his loving wife Wanda, daughter Heather Anne, his son-in-law Adam, and grandson Wes; his sisters Barbara Wisniewski and Virginia Matthews; niece Sara Matthews and nephew David Matthews. He was predeceased by his parents J. Edward and Barbara Bottger and brother-in-law David Wisniewski.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Noon on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 W. 300 S. with Bobby Price officiating.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am until time of service.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Center Road Church of Christ in Kokomo as a tribute to John’s commitment to his faith and community.

John was a responsible and compassionate man who loved his family and the Lord. His legacy of skill, devotion, generosity and community spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

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