James Fredrick "Jim" Dotte

DOTTE James “Jim” F. Loving dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother & friend. Passed away 11/4/2017 at the age of 80. Survived by children, Jamie (Christy), Jodi (Eric), Joe (Gina); 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry (Audrey) and Marie. Preceded in death by his wife, Judy. Memorial Mass 12PM on Saturday, November 11 at St. Genevieve at the St. John the Baptist Site, 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass. Luncheon to follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family. A Letter to Jim from his brother Larry: Dear Jim, You did leave us a little early, but i thought I should still write a letter to you, to help me remember about our past years, and to let you know Just how much you meant to me. Those early years were really something; Three of us in that small corner bedroom/ (with no heat - you could freeze water in that room.) Then, early in the morning/ we would make a mad dash to the living room where we would wam up next to that old potbelly stove that was used to heat the entire housel Dad would get up very early to get the wood fire going and how good it felt. Ah yes, remember how tough life was in those early days? But, as you and 1 know, we really did not feel neglected. We had a loving mother and father who did the very best they could to keep us warm, safe and happy. That really meant everything. Even at Christmas time when there was very little money, we would wrap up five cent candy bars to give to each other, so we would have something to open from each of us. And, remember the gift from Dad? Usually five pair of socks! Well, what the heck, we really did need them! Being part of the Dotte Landscape business as we were growing up, we were always working and helping Dad (I’m sure Mom could have used some help as well.) But, most of our time went with Dad. And, what a good experience it was. We all quickly learned what hard work was! As kids we worked hard, but got into mischief as well. Remember when we would come home for lunch, hot and dirty head to foot? Then, what would we do for fun? Chase each other with pails of water to see v/ho could get the other one wet first! As four brothers, we were always there for each other. As we got a little older, you and I would double date with our girls. Remember when we had too many kids in my new Ford and we crashed into a post. Wow! I was really upset, but got the car repaired and, of course, we got into more trouble as time went on. We went through the good times and the tough times; with Brother Joe going into the service in 1942 during world war II. And then, brother Bob going into the service for the Korean war in 1951. With the help of our Mother’s daily prayers, both brothers returned home safely. Thinking about the 50’s brings back a fond memory of our trip to Excelsior Park with our girlfriends. We had a few cans of beer and had went on a couple of carnival rides. Then we decided to try out a new feature that, as I recall, was the Logroll. This was a huge round wood cylinder that was big enough to walk into. The object was to walk through if while if was turning, without falling down! Well, it seems the few beers that Jim had earlier caused a big problem. He fell! halfway through and he just kept rolling in The middle of the log until they finally shut the thing down. We laughed so hard we were all crying! A few years later, we got into owning motorcycles and did tots of riding together. And, I'm sure Jim would recall the evening we went to the Boom site at Stillwater. We were there with four other cycle buddies and after our time around the campfire, we decided to head back to White Bear Lake. My bike had some headlight problems, so I was riding way in the back of the pack, and Jim was riding up in front. We were about half way back when a car backed out onto highway 96 and caused Jim to hit the back bumper of the car with his right crash bar. Wow! He flew so far into the ditch we could not find him for a few minutes. Then, I did what I thought I should, without thinking OMG no running light!l I still drove my bike at high speed to White Bear, to get the Police and the ambulance to go back to pick up Jim. This accident really messed him up, he was in the hospital for about 10 days and it took many months of healing until he finally was doing better. The driver of the car was arrested for drunk driving. His insurance did cover the hospital cost and cycle repairs. After that episode, and with many prayers, we all slowly recovered. My wonderful Mother - what headaches and heartaches she went through with all her boys! It is really no wonder when we see top sport Jocks on TV, and they will say Hi Mom. I guess we can all identify with that. After all of the brothers were married, we would still all get together for holidays. Dad would insist that for each holiday or celebration, we would have it at one of our homes and invite all of the family. So, as brothers, we would pick the holiday for that particular year, each of us would host, and it became a family tradition for many years. Jim, we have enjoyed our family ties and our time together for many, many past years. I just want you to know how much you have meant fo me and how much I love you. I will miss you, my dear friend and brother! So, until we may meet again, rest in peace. You earned it! With many good memories of our past, and with lots of love, Brother Larry