Obituary of Russell Carl Bottelson Jr.

Russell Carl “Russ” Bottelson Jr. (67) of Post Falls passed away peacefully with his family by his side April 23, 2015. Russ was born December 3, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Russell Carl Sr. & Geraldine Elaine (Vick) Bottelson. In his youth, he went by ‘Rusty’ and grew up in Minneapolis through his college years where he attended the University of Minnesota. After college, he then moved to Missoula, Montana and finally ended up in Post Falls. He was a Salesman by trade but seemed to truly find his love of profession later in his years as a Para Professional, working for the CDA school district. He loved to teach the youth and be involved in their lives. It was easy for him to connect with the kids and that was probably because of the deep love that he had for his children and especially his grandchildren. Russ was a patriot to the core. He served as an Army Sergeant in the Vietnam war and was proud to call himself a Veteran. He loved to study about Christianity and politics. He was a very intelligent man but also very willing to listen. Road trips and spending time in the outdoors were a great love of his also. Any theme park was the “icing on the cake.” Russ is survived by many family members: Aunt Joyce Zabioski, sisters Terri (Jim) Richards, Linda (Lee) Loudermill, Cynde (Mike) Kleven. Daughters Kellie Proost & Tyler (Paul) Vannoy, stepsons Sean (Jenny) Cleave, Danny (Carissa) Cleave, Gabe (Aubrey) Cleave & Brandon (Valerie) Cleave. His grandchildren Taylor Proost, Jayden, Garin and Audrey Vannoy, Madison and Hayden Cleave, Kolby, Keaunna, Elysia and Stella and numerous nieces and nephews. Russ was a wonderful man who was loved by many. He will be missed, but always remembered. We Love you Dad. Please visit Russ’ online memorial page at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, April 28th at 4pm at Bell Tower Funeral Home 3398 E. Jenalan Ave. Post Falls, ID