Wilma Bots

Wilma, (Mimi to her siblings and Oma to her grand and great-grandchildren), passed away peacefully, October 7^th, 2023 at the age of 98. Beloved wife of the late Henry M. Bots and dear daughter of the late Anna and Ludwig Kawetschanky. Wilma immigrated to the United States from Austria in 1952 with her parents, daughter Inge, and several of her siblings. The family was sponsored and based out of Janesville, Wisconsin until she moved to Milwaukee.

Wilma married Henry in 1961 and continued to grow her family and was already several years into her nearly 40-year career working at Karl Ratzsch’s restaurant in Milwaukee. While working there, she made many lifelong friends that she continued to travel with, laugh with, and just enjoy life with long into her retirement. She proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1978 and returned to visit extended family in Austria many times over the years. Wilma and her family also enjoyed many get-togethers in Janesville to celebrate birthdays, holidays, reunions or for any reason that called for a party, and her German family certainly knew how to party. She was also a member of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Following Henry’s death in 1990, and being the strong woman she was, she continued to live in her own home until she was nearly 92 years old.  She lived her last 6 years at Library Square Senior Living.

Wilma is survived by her loving children; Inge Caracristi of Janesville, Wisconsin, Barbara (the late John) Auman of Marietta, Georgia, Harry (Marie) Bots of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and John (Kathy) Bots of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; 5 Grandchildren, 6 great-grand children and many nieces and nephews. She’s also survived by her loving sister Magda (the late Gene) Nelson of Janesville, Wisconsin. Besides her husband and parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her siblings Anna, Ludwig, Julianna, Walter, and Helene.

Wilma was a proud and strong woman that truly enjoyed her family, traveling, and love of life.

Gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 PM.

Burial will be held privately at Wood National Cemetery.