Pioneer, CA…Bruce Paul Botz, 89, Pioneer, California, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020, at his home. Bruce was born on March 17, 1931 in Berlin, Wisconsin to the late Arthur Louis and Esther Amanda (Englert) Botz, Sr. He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Barbara Diane (Scovil-McDonald) Thompson and brothers, Arthur Louis Botz, Jr., Richard John Botz and Robert Owen Botz.

He moved to California with his parents and siblings in the mid 1940’s. He enlisted (the first time) in the Army on January 29, 1947, with his brother Richard, by misrepresenting his age so he could enlist early. He attended Infantry school in Ft. Benning, Georgia for Basic Training. His occupation was Rifleman and he received the Parachutists Badge. Six months and 13 days after enlisting, his parents caught up with him and made him come home to finish high school. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army and graduated from Alameda High School in 1949.

Bruce enlisted in the Navy in April 1948, as inactive, and after graduation from high school was then put on active duty and served in the Korean War. He was Honorably Discharged on March 11, 1953 as an Aviation Electronicsman and received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Air Medal.

After his discharge from the Navy, Bruce worked for IBM for many years, first in the Service Department and then promoted to Sales, where he excelled and won many top sales awards before his retirement.

Bruce will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his ability to tell a great joke, his crazy antics such as jumping into a pool, fully clothed, shoes, cigar and all, as well as his Hawaiian shirts. He loved to fly and piloted his own plane in his younger years and was always up for a road trip, visiting family and friends, as long as the windshield was clean! His Grandchildren loved to hear his stories, many were service related, and often participated in his funny antics. He had many friends, but his “partners in crime” were Bill and Delma Lawler, his greatest friends throughout his adult life. He never met a stranger and was happiest when he could make someone smile or laugh. He will be greatly missed.

Bruce is survived by his daughters, Linda (Robert) Derbacher, California, Lorri (Earl) Howard, Whitney, Texas and son, Mark (Elaine) Botz, Katy, Texas. Grandchildren: Aaron Derbacher, California, Joshua (Brandy) Kight, Christopher (Nicole) Kight, Casey Howard, Christopher (Britt) Botz, Justin Botz, Jason (Terri) Botz, and Marissa (Joseph) Aiken. Great Grandchildren: Cutter Gilman Kight, Carter Ray Botz and Callaway Jordan Aiken all of Texas, sister Barbara Mahurin and her son James McCarthy of California.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be made in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Merced County, California.