Rev. Ernest Lawrence “Larry” Bottiger, 84, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 5, 2016.
He is survived by his wife Dawn Reichard; his daughter Ann (Howard) Fegan of Bethlehem, Penn.; and grandchildren Sarah and John.
He is preceded in death by his wives Carol Reidler Bottiger (1975) and Bertha Knight Bottiger (2006), two infant daughters, and his sister RoseAnn Bottiger Moore.
Bottiger was born and raised in West Milton, Penn. He spent first through eighth grade in a two-room schoolhouse.
He graduated from Milton High School in 1949, graduated from Susquehanna University (1953) and The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. He was a third generation Lutheran Pastor, serving for 14 years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hazelton, Penn., then was the co- administrator of the Lutheran Home in the same city.
Bottiger was a longtime Rotarian and “Paul Harris” fellow. He loved boating and fishing in the Fort Pierce area, then settled in Vero Beach in 1980. There he became a member of Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church.
He had been a Commodore of the Vero Beach Yacht Club and Commodore of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. Up until his death he remained a member of the Blue Gavel. Memories of those yacht club years brought him great pride and joy.
When not cruising with his own boat, Bottiger loved to travel. He had taken a round the world trip in 1979 and well over 50 cruises during his lifetime, covering most of the globe.
He was kind to all and always a willing listener. His first wife died at an early age, but out of that marriage their dear daughter, Ann, was born.
He was an attentive caregiver for his second wife for nine years before her death. In 2007 he married his pastor – Rev. Dawn Reichard. They enjoyed several years of life together: more cruises, movies, church participation, dining out alone or with friends, and dancing. He was a most loving and affectionate husband.
When dementia and physical decline had greatly impacted his ability to communicate, he was still able to say several times a day “I love you” to his wife. He remained a man of faith and always expressed gratitude to God for his many blessings.
He had several wonderful aides from Affordable Home Care the last couple of years, and was under the care of VNA Hospice at his home during his last weeks.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 at Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Christ by the Sea UMC, 3755 Highway A-1-A, Vero Beach, FL 32963.