Jon Michael Bottum

     Jon Michael Bottum, age 75 of Ithaca Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday December 3, 2022. 

     Jon was born on September 15^th, 1947, in St Johns, Michigan to EJ and Freda (Miller) Bottum who preceded him in death.

     Jon was married to Dana Lambert-Bottum (Miller) on September 20^th, 2008 with whom he spent the last 28 years of his life. Together, Jon and Dana shared 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Jon’s biggest joy in life was watching his grandkids and great grandkids grow.

     In Jon’s spare time, you could find him in the garage working on wood working projects, cheering on his grandkids in their sporting events, spending his summers as the “Mayor” of “Just in Time Campground”, or snacking on peanuts and popcorn. He was a member of the Maple Rapids Fire Department and Maple Rapids United Methodist Church for many years. In his early years Jon could be found at Crystal Motor speedway on Saturday nights driving the number “22” Saturday Nite Ride, and in his later years he enjoyed creating the original “Maple Rapids Grass Kickers” lawn mower races earning funds to sponsor the American Diabetes Association. Jon spent a majority of his life working on farming equipment - this was a lifelong passion that began with owning and operating Mint City Tractor in St. Johns, MI.

     He is survived by his wife Dana, children: Angela (Gary) Zimmerman, Stephanie (Steve) Swan, Jennifer (Bryan) Geller, Denny (Chris) Lambert, Darcy Wiser, Darren (Amber) Lambert, & Danielle (Christopher) Smith; grandchildren: Tori (Aaron) Markel, Bret (Emma) Lambert, Jessica (Jeff) Miller, Skyler (Morgan) Zimmerman, DJ (Leslie) Lambert, Kara Warnke, Emma (Garrett) St John, Sydney Vandervest, Mya Wiser, Julia Warnke, Alyssa Lambert, Jace Zimmerman, Macey Vandervest, Gabby Geller, Baeley Vandervest, Dayten Lambert, Leanna Geller, Naomey Smith, and Ezekiel Smith; great grandkids: Ian and Nolan Markle, Tristan Catlin, Adalynne Lambert, Riley Zimmerman, Hudson Miller, William Miller, Noah Zimmerman, Denver Lambert, and Baby Markel expected soon and a sister Barb (Dan) Newport. Jon was preceded in death by his parents EJ and Freda Bottum, granddaughter Shelby Swan, two infant children: Douglas and Anjanette Bottum, and late wives: Sharron Bottum, and Nancy Bottum.

     Visitation will be held on Tuesday December 6, 2022, from 2-8 P.M. at the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, 330 S. Maple Avenue, Maple Rapids MI, 48853.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 7, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Family Funeral Homes to assist with Jon's funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

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