San Antonio, Texas, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Kathryn Ann Bottemiller Fair, a dedicated educator and military wife, has passed away at 94. Born in Minnesota, she had a profound impact on education and her community throughout her active life in various states and countries. Her legacy includes founding a church library and advocating for education. Kathryn is remembered fondly by her family and community as a guiding influence.
San Antonio, Texas — Kathryn Ann Bottemiller Fair, a revered educator and dedicated military wife, has passed away at the age of 94. She leaves behind a legacy of commitment to education, community service, and family rooted in an active lifestyle shaped by frequent relocations due to her husband’s military career.
Kathryn Fair was born on April 8, 1930, in Bertha, Minnesota, as the second daughter of W.K. “Butch” and Ruth Vivian Bottemiller. She was a fraternal twin to her brother W. Karl Bottemiller. Raised in a household bustling with activity in Bertha, she flourished in her community, participating in church events and playing the flute in her high school band.
She graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, Kathryn worked as a grade school teacher for five years in several locations, including Red Wing, Minnesota; Milwaukee, Oregon; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the years that followed, Kathryn paused her career for 20 years to focus on raising her family. She resumed her professional journey in 1977 as a graduate assistant librarian at the University of Las Vegas (UNLV). Her role as a librarian continued after her graduation with a Master of Education degree in Library Science from UNLV in 1978, as she later served as the librarian at Beekman Elementary School in New York.
Throughout her life, Kathryn and her family moved frequently due to her husband, Air Force Lt. John C. “Jack” Fair‘s military duties. They lived in various locations, including France, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Germany. After Jack’s retirement as Lt. Colonel in 1978, the family continued to relocate for his work with IBM Corporation.
The Fair family eventually moved to the Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas, in 1998. Throughout her life, Kathryn was a devoted member of the Congregational Church and contributed to her community by founding a church library at Wilson United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs in 1994, which grew to over 800 volumes in just four years.
Kathryn is remembered as a devoted wife, a wonderful mother to her son John and daughters Patricia and Jane, and a caring grandmother to her granddaughter, Kathryn Allyson (Katy). Her service was recognized when she was honored as a Daughter of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), reflecting her lifelong commitment to community and family values.
She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Background and Contributions
Kathryn’s journey began in a small town but quickly grew to encompass an impressive array of contributions across multiple states and even countries. Her deep commitment to education was evident from her early days in Minnesota through her various teaching roles and library initiatives. Her work benefited countless children and families throughout her teaching career.
Her dedication to her family did not hinder her professional aspirations, as she balanced raising three children with her library work, each reinforcing her belief in the importance of education and community service.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Kathryn Bottemiller Fair resides not only in her professional achievements but also in the values she instilled in her family and community. She will be remembered by all as a guiding influence, inspiring others through her commitment, love, and dedication to education and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Kathryn Bottemiller Fair’s profession?
Kathryn was an accomplished educator and librarian who worked as a grade school teacher and later served as a librarian in multiple schools and institutions.
2. Where did she grow up?
Kathryn grew up in Bertha, Minnesota.
3. Who was her husband?
Kathryn was married to Air Force Lt. John C. “Jack” Fair.
4. What contributions did Kathryn make to her community?
Kathryn founded a church library at Wilson United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, growing it to over 800 volumes, and was actively involved in community events.
5. Where will Kathryn be laid to rest?
Kathryn will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Key Features of Kathryn Ann Bottemiller Fair’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1930 |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Master in Library Science |
| Career | Grade school teacher and librarian |
| Family | Husband John C. “Jack” Fair; three children |
| Community Contributions | Founded church library; active parishioner |
| Date of Passing | [Insert Date of Passing] |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Kathryn Fair Obituary
- Wikipedia: Kathryn Bottemiller Fair
- Kok Funeral: Kathryn Elfstrum Obituary
- Google Search: Kathryn Bottemiller Fair
- Hartquist Funeral: Kathryn Hess Obituary
- Google Scholar: Kathryn Bottemiller Fair
- Mother Jones: Fair Housing Topics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kathryn Bottemiller Fair
- Legacy: Kathleen Howard Obituary
- Google News: Kathryn Bottemiller Fair
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