TULARE –– M. June (Freeburg) Bottum, 93, of Tulare, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her family.
June’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Tulare United Church in Tulare. Pastor Rey Colón will officiate. Burial will follow the service at the Burdette Cemetery in Hand County. After the committal service, lunch will be served in the church hall.
The funeral service will be live-streamed through a link on the funeral home’s website below June’s obituary.
June was born at home in rural Frankfort, on June 2, 1932, to George and Neva (Lucke) Freeburg. Her love of caring for a farm started at a young age as her dad designated her the second boy of the family-chores including milking cows, fixing the pig fences, and driving the team of horses during harvest. She attended the country school near her home and 2 years of high school at Frankfort. Much to her dismay, her mother decided that she should transfer to Redfield High School to finish her junior and senior years, graduating in 1950. She lived at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield, working for room and board and traveling back to rural Frankfort on the weekends.
Following graduation, June worked at Northwestern Public Service in Redfield. She married her high school sweetheart, Delbert Bottum, on August 13, 1953, while he had a one-week leave from the Army before being deployed to Japan. Upon Delbert’s return in 1954, they moved to the Bottum farm in rural Tulare, where she lived until moving into the Eastern Star Home in Redfield in 2021. They had 3 children-Dan, Dean, and Doreen. June embraced her role as mother and farm wife, helping out wherever needed. Her world was turned upside down when Delbert passed away in 1990.
June was an active member of St. John’s UCC and Tulare United Church. She was the church treasurer for many years, enjoyed the women’s group, and singing in the choir. June was also the treasurer of Burdette Township for many years. She bowled every Monday afternoon in Redfield on the “Unpredictables” bowling team. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Oasis Chapter #128.
June took pride in her yard and garden, and especially loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. They were the high light of her life. She and Delbert loved to dance, square dancing and ballroom, where they made many friends. She enjoyed embroidery and she always loved a competitive card game!
June is survived by her children: Dan (Barb) Bottum of Hartford, and their children and grandchildren: Tim (Kelly) Bottum, Lincoln and Lawler of Mitchell, Danette (Brad) Luthi, Gavin, and Claire of Gretna, Neb., Renae (Nick) Prostrollo, Logan, Parker, and Oakley of Madison; Dean (Holly) Bottum of Tulare, and their children and grandchildren: Jeremy (Amy) Bottum, Caden, Mason, and Morgon of Tulare, Joni (Lucas) Hattervig, and Lennyn of Sioux Falls, Jessica (Kyle) Carter, Klayton, Kallyn, and Kaylor of Tulare; and Doreen (Wayne) Binger of Tulare, and their children and grandchildren: Shannon (Adam) LeFebvre, Will, Evelyn, and Kate of Champaign, Ill., Scott (Lindsey) Binger, Brynn and Asher of Tulare, and Shane (Kianna) Binger of Rapid City. She is also survived by her sister Ann (Don) Grieben of Lacey, Wash.; sister-in-law Marlis Freeburg of Sioux Falls, brother-in-law Richard Bottum of Tulare; and numerous nieces and nephews.
June is preceded in death by her husband Delbert, brother Robert Freeburg, sister Shirley (Daryel) Chase, two infant sisters, brother-in-law John (Cherie) Bottum, and sister-in-law Pat Bottum.
Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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