Gary D. Bottinger, also known as “Grandpa Gary“ at Annandale Middle School, passed away, at age 83, from this world on Sept. 8, 2022 after a five-month battle with multiple myeloma. Gary was born June 1, 1939 to Axel and Eleanore Bottiger. His father hailed from Copenhagen, Denmark and his mother from Evanston, Illinois. Gary was born and raised in Evanston and graduated from Evanston Township High School, class of 1958. He served in the Illinois National Guard. He was a graduate of Judson College and worked as a corporate credit manager. Gary lived in Minnetonka, Minnesota for many years beginning in 1977. He has also lived in Richfield, and St Michael, and spent 15 years living in Annandale. In his retirement, he was part of the Foster Grandparent Program at Annandale Middle School, which brought him a great amount of joy and he was always delighted to be a part of that community where he created fond memories. He especially enjoyed helping on field trips, PE class and playing basketball with students. He coached flag football in the 1980s. He enjoyed spending time with his six children, taking them to activities, watching their games, and spending time with grandchildren as the years went on. Gary was a golf lover and participated in many duathlons. He also enjoyed listening to big band music on Saturday mornings, grilling, creating backyard ice rinks in winter, and he was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. He had many dogs through the years, including his latest dog Butkus. In heaven, Gary has been reunited with his daughters Julie and Katryn; brothers Bob and Ken, and his parents. Gary is survived by his children Dan (Katie), Kevin (Stephanie), Molly (Brian) and Patrick; grandchildren Evan, Isaiah, Danielle, Aurora, Eddie, Aiden, Emerson, Liam, August and Axel; sister Christine Bowring; sister-in-law Priscilla; former spouse Mary Hoban Rutkowski, and many nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55447. A Christian burial will be held the following week with family. Gary would prefer memorials to St. Jude Children’s.