Jerry Bottenfield, 87, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Mahaska Health Hospital.
Jerry, son of Joseph and Mona (Thompson) Bottenfield, was born on April 22, 1938, in Perry, Iowa. He grew up in Perry and was a part of Perry High School’s graduating class of 1956. After high school, Jerry attended Iowa State University, where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Clow Valve employed him as an engineer, heading up the design and research department, from 1973 to 2013, a period of 40 years. Jerry also taught engineering classes at William Penn University for 23 years.
Jerry married the love of his life, Sondra Lee Kilmer, on August 15, 1959, at the United Methodist Church in Perry. He was a long-time member of the Central United Methodist Church and most recently joined the Trinity Church in Oskaloosa. Jerry was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the YMCA, where he enjoyed participating in the Silver Sneakers Club. Woodworking, golf, and collecting baseball memorabilia were a few of Jerry’s favorite hobbies. He also considered himself a Civil War Historian due to his love of researching that time period.
Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his wife of 66 years, Sondra; his daughter, Robin (Michael) Delaney of Ft. Madison; his son, Kam (Tycene) Bottenfield of Ottumwa; his grandsons: Ryan (Kim) Delaney of Scottsdale, Arizona and Grant (Kinzie) Delaney of Burlington; two great-grandchildren: Christian and Brayden Delaney; a sister, JoDee Townsen of Ames; and two nieces: Michelle and Colette.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
As was his wish, Jerry’s body has been cremated, and burial of ashes will take place at Old White Cemetery in Oskaloosa at a later date. There are no services planned at this time. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with Jerry’s final arrangements.
