Nadine Helen Botke

Nadine Helen (Zoellner) Botke, age 96, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace, Michigan, on September 10, 2022. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 11, 1926, to Edmund Julis Wendlin Zoellner and Lillian (Kloock) Zoellner.

Nadine grew up in Detroit and graduated from Denby High School and started working for AAA where she met the love of her life, Robert Reamer Botke. They were married at Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit on June 15, 1946. She vacationed to Drummond Island for years and permanently moved there in June of 1969. Where they started Weona Resort and ran it until retiring in the 1980’s.

Nadine was a member of the Women’s Athletic Association in Detroit, Detroit A Capella Choir, Beautiful Savior Women’s Fellowship, which focus was on the Pontiac State Hospital for mentally disabled, a Cub Scout Leader, a Brownie Leader, a Girl Scout Leader, Drummond Island Homemakers, Drummond Island Lutheran Women’s Group, President of the Drummond Island Clinic Board, member of Drummond Island Lutheran Church where she was the organist since the origination.

Nadine was someone always looking for an adventure. She loved to travel anywhere she could. She was ambitious and considerate. She loved gardening flowers, baking bread, and spending time with her grandchildren and grand dogs.

Nadine is survived by her son, Bob (Dayle) Botke of Iron Bridge, Ontario, Canada; daughter, Pam (Tom) Ellis of Drummond Island; grandchildren, Lynn (Brent) Autore, Leslie (Dennis) Whitfield, Tom (Niki) Ellis, Andy (Nicole) Ellis, Sarah (Kenn) Howard, and Scott Ellis and Kezia Wise; great-grandchildren, Robert Autore, Riley Autore, Hunter Whitfield, Britney Whitfield, Lauren Whitfield, Mac Whitfield, Michael Whitfield, Deryk (Mary) Lazarz, Taylor Lazarz, Trisha Lazarz, Ivan Ellis, Tanner Howard, Kenzie Howard, and D.J. Molina; great-great-grandchild, Owen Lazarz; niece, Lori DeSalvo; nephews, Tim (Joan) Strutz, and Todd (Kaye) Strutz; and cousins, Susan Juip, Linda (Bill) Pankhurst, and Jane Botke.

Nadine is preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Botke; parents, Edmund and Lillian Zoellner; daughter-in-law, Debbie Botke; and great-grandson, Craig Whitfield.

Visitation Will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM at the Drummond Island Lutheran Church, 29515 E Channel Rd, Drummond, MI 49726. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Burial Will follow at Drummond Island Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Drummond Island Ambulance, P.O. Box 225, Drummond Island, MI 49725 or the Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Galer Funeral Homes & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.